Agricultural Extension Services

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 121 views

History of Agricultural Development in Deli Serdang New Order Period (1968-1998)

Introduction

Agricultural development in Deli Serdang Regency reflects the dynamics of government policy during the New Order period, which lasted from 1968 to 1998. This study aims to comprehensively describe the geographical situation, government, demographic, and socio-economic aspects of Deli Serdang since before independence until the order period New. In addition, this article also reviews the history of agricultural development in this region before the New Order and agricultural development policies and programs that are carried out during that era.

Background of Deli Serdang

Deli Serdang, which is located in North Sumatra, has long been known as an area with great agricultural potential. Since before Indonesia's independence, Deli Serdang has become a strategic area in the agricultural and plantation sectors. The existence of abundant natural resources and fertile land is a major factor that supports agricultural development in this area. After independence, the pattern of management and exploitation of agricultural resources in Deli Serdang underwent transformation, especially under the New Order government.

Geographical Situation of Deli Serdang

Deli Serdang is located in the northern part of Sumatra, with a total area of approximately 4,754 square kilometers. The region is characterized by a tropical rainforest climate, with high temperatures and high humidity levels throughout the year. The terrain is generally flat, with some areas having a slight slope. The region's geographical situation makes it suitable for various types of agriculture, including rice, rubber, and palm oil.

Government and Demographic Aspects of Deli Serdang

Deli Serdang is one of the 33 regencies in North Sumatra Province. The regency is divided into 17 sub-districts, with a total population of approximately 1.2 million people. The population of Deli Serdang is predominantly Muslim, with a small percentage of Christians and Buddhists. The regency has a relatively high level of education, with a literacy rate of over 90%. The government of Deli Serdang is headed by a regent, who is responsible for implementing policies and programs at the local level.

Agricultural Development in the New Order Era

The New Order period was marked by the existence of development programs focused on the agricultural sector. The government implements policies aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through the five-year (pelita) program I to VI. This program includes various aspects, ranging from providing production facilities, improving agricultural infrastructure, to farmers' training. Through synergy between the central, provincial and regional governments, Deli Serdang has experienced a significant increase in the area of rice fields and agricultural production, especially rice.

Agricultural Policies and Programs

The government of Indonesia during the New Order period implemented various policies and programs aimed at increasing agricultural productivity. Some of the key policies and programs include:

Five-Year Development Plan (Pelita): The government implemented a five-year development plan aimed at increasing agricultural productivity. The plan included various aspects, ranging from providing production facilities, improving agricultural infrastructure, to farmers' training.
Agricultural Extension Services: The government established agricultural extension services to provide technical assistance to farmers. The services included training, demonstration, and advisory services.
Input Subsidies: The government provided input subsidies to farmers to reduce the cost of production. The subsidies included fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds.
Marketing Support: The government provided marketing support to farmers to increase their income. The support included the establishment of marketing cooperatives and the provision of market information.

Impact of Agricultural Policies and Programs

The agricultural policies and programs implemented during the New Order period had a significant impact on the agricultural sector in Deli Serdang. The policies and programs led to an increase in agricultural production, especially rice. The area of rice fields increased from 10,000 hectares in 1968 to 50,000 hectares in 1998. The production of rice also increased significantly, from 100,000 tons in 1968 to 500,000 tons in 1998.

Study and Findings Results

The results of the study show that agricultural policies in Deli Serdang during the New Order are very influential in changing the face of agriculture in this area. Increased agricultural production can be seen from statistical data that shows an increase in rice fields and yields that continue to progress from year to year. For example, between 1970 and 1998, rice production in Deli Serdang experienced a significant increase, making it one of the main rice producing regions in North Sumatra.

Challenges Faced by the Agricultural Sector

However, this study also revealed the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, such as the problem of dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as well as environmental impacts caused by intensive agricultural practices. As a result, despite an increase in production, there is an urgent need to apply more sustainable agricultural practices to maintain the balance of ecosystems.

Conclusion

The history of agricultural development in Deli Serdang during the New Order period shows how government policies can have a significant impact on the agricultural sector. With an integrated approach between the center and the region, the increase in agricultural production capacity was successfully achieved. Although there is success in increasing productivity, challenges related to sustainability and environmental impacts must be considered to ensure sustainable agriculture in the future. This study provides important insights for policy makers and academics in designing better and more sustainable agricultural development programs.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Sustainable Agricultural Practices: The government and farmers should adopt sustainable agricultural practices to maintain the balance of ecosystems.
Reducing Dependence on Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides: The government and farmers should reduce their dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to minimize environmental impacts.
Increasing Investment in Agricultural Infrastructure: The government should increase investment in agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation systems and storage facilities, to improve the efficiency of agricultural production.
Providing Training and Education: The government and farmers should provide training and education to farmers to improve their skills and knowledge in sustainable agricultural practices.

By implementing these recommendations, the agricultural sector in Deli Serdang can continue to grow and develop in a sustainable manner, providing benefits to farmers, the government, and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the History of Agricultural Development in Deli Serdang New Order Period (1968-1998)

Introduction

The history of agricultural development in Deli Serdang during the New Order period is a complex and multifaceted topic. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic.

Q: What was the main goal of the New Order government's agricultural policies in Deli Serdang?

A: The main goal of the New Order government's agricultural policies in Deli Serdang was to increase agricultural productivity and production, particularly in the rice sector.

Q: What were some of the key policies and programs implemented by the New Order government to achieve its agricultural goals?

A: Some of the key policies and programs implemented by the New Order government to achieve its agricultural goals included:

Five-Year Development Plan (Pelita): The government implemented a five-year development plan aimed at increasing agricultural productivity.
Agricultural Extension Services: The government established agricultural extension services to provide technical assistance to farmers.
Input Subsidies: The government provided input subsidies to farmers to reduce the cost of production.
Marketing Support: The government provided marketing support to farmers to increase their income.

Q: What was the impact of the New Order government's agricultural policies on the agricultural sector in Deli Serdang?

A: The New Order government's agricultural policies had a significant impact on the agricultural sector in Deli Serdang. The policies led to an increase in agricultural production, particularly in the rice sector. The area of rice fields increased from 10,000 hectares in 1968 to 50,000 hectares in 1998. The production of rice also increased significantly, from 100,000 tons in 1968 to 500,000 tons in 1998.

Q: What were some of the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Deli Serdang during the New Order period?

A: Some of the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Deli Serdang during the New Order period included:

Dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides: The agricultural sector in Deli Serdang became heavily dependent on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which had negative environmental impacts.
Environmental impacts: The intensive agricultural practices in Deli Serdang led to environmental impacts, such as soil degradation and water pollution.
Limited access to credit and markets: Many farmers in Deli Serdang had limited access to credit and markets, which made it difficult for them to invest in their farms and increase their productivity.

Q: What are some of the lessons that can be learned from the history of agricultural development in Deli Serdang during the New Order period?

A: Some of the lessons that can be learned from the history of agricultural development in Deli Serdang during the New Order period include:

The importance of sustainable agricultural practices: The history of agricultural development in Deli Serdang highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and adopting environmentally friendly farming methods.
The need for integrated approaches: The history of agricultural development in Deli Serdang shows that integrated approaches, which involve the government, farmers, and other stakeholders, are necessary to achieve agricultural development goals.
The importance of investing in agricultural infrastructure: The history of agricultural development in Deli Serdang highlights the importance of investing in agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation systems and storage facilities, to improve the efficiency of agricultural production.

Q: What are some of the recommendations for policymakers and academics based on the history of agricultural development in Deli Serdang during the New Order period?

A: Some of the recommendations for policymakers and academics based on the history of agricultural development in Deli Serdang during the New Order period include:

Developing sustainable agricultural policies: Policymakers should develop sustainable agricultural policies that promote environmentally friendly farming practices and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Investing in agricultural infrastructure: Policymakers should invest in agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation systems and storage facilities, to improve the efficiency of agricultural production.
Providing training and education: Policymakers and academics should provide training and education to farmers to improve their skills and knowledge in sustainable agricultural practices.

By learning from the history of agricultural development in Deli Serdang during the New Order period, policymakers and academics can develop more effective and sustainable agricultural policies and programs that promote agricultural development and reduce environmental impacts.