Design policies that support the increase in rice production

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 19 views

Factors that Influence Farmers' Decisions to Transfer the Function of Paddy Fields to Oil Palm Land in Rokan Hilir Regency

Introduction

The Indonesian government has been actively working to increase rice production in the country. However, they face various obstacles, both technical and non-technical, in achieving this goal. One of the significant non-technical obstacles is the change in the function of paddy fields, which are increasingly being converted to other uses such as oil palm plantations. In Rokan Hilir Regency, a major rice production center in Riau Province, the conversion of paddy fields to oil palm plantations is a widespread phenomenon. To understand the factors that influence farmers' decisions to transfer the function of their paddy fields, a study was conducted between mid-February to mid-March 2016.

Background

Rokan Hilir Regency is a rice production center in Riau Province, Indonesia. The regency has experienced a high level of land conversion, with many farmers converting their paddy fields to oil palm plantations. This conversion has significant implications for food security and the welfare of farmers in the region. Understanding the factors that influence farmers' decisions to transfer the function of their paddy fields is crucial in formulating policies that support food security while increasing the welfare of farmers.

Methodology

The study was conducted using a purposive sampling technique, where 88 samples of farmers who had converted their land and 85 farmers who did not do so were selected. The sampling technique used was the Cluster Convenience Sampling method. The data collected was analyzed using the logit binary regression model.

Analysis of Research Results

The estimated results of the study show that the most significant factor that influences farmers' decisions to carry out land conversion is the variable ratio of income. This shows that farmers who get higher income from oil palm land compared to rice tend to prefer to perform transfers. This factor is very relevant, given the price of oil palm commodities, which are often more profitable than rice, especially in the context of fluctuating market prices.

Meanwhile, the education factor, land area, and capital availability do not show a significant effect on farmers' decisions. This could be caused by a lack of farmers' understanding of the importance of education in land management or access to relevant information. In addition, the area of land owned by farmers may be enough to meet their needs, so there is no encouragement to maintain their long-term agricultural land.

Factors Influencing Farmers' Decisions

The decision to change the function of land is not only influenced by economic factors, but also by social pressure and market development. In this context, it is essential for the government and stakeholders to design policies that not only support the increase in rice production but also consider the welfare of farmers. For example, providing access to a better market, training and education for farmers, as well as incentives for those who choose to remain farming can be effective steps in maintaining the sustainability of agricultural land.

Implications of the Study

Overall, this research provides valuable insight into the dynamics of farmers' decisions in Rokan Hilir related to land conversion. Understanding these factors is crucial in formulating policies that support food security while increasing the welfare of farmers in Indonesia. The study highlights the importance of considering the welfare of farmers in policy-making, particularly in the context of land conversion.

Conclusion

The study found that the most significant factor influencing farmers' decisions to transfer the function of their paddy fields is the variable ratio of income. The education factor, land area, and capital availability do not show a significant effect on farmers' decisions. The decision to change the function of land is influenced by economic, social, and market factors. The study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of farmers' decisions in Rokan Hilir related to land conversion and highlights the importance of considering the welfare of farmers in policy-making.

Recommendations

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

Design policies that support the increase in rice production: The government and stakeholders should design policies that not only support the increase in rice production but also consider the welfare of farmers.
Provide access to a better market: Providing access to a better market can be an effective step in maintaining the sustainability of agricultural land.
Training and education for farmers: Providing training and education for farmers can help them understand the importance of education in land management and access to relevant information.
Incentives for farmers who choose to remain farming: Providing incentives for farmers who choose to remain farming can be an effective step in maintaining the sustainability of agricultural land.

Limitations of the Study

The study has several limitations, including:

Limited sample size: The study was conducted using a purposive sampling technique, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Limited data collection: The study was conducted using a logit binary regression model, which may not capture all the factors influencing farmers' decisions.
Limited context: The study was conducted in a specific context, which may not be generalizable to other contexts.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Explore the factors influencing farmers' decisions in other contexts: Future research should aim to explore the factors influencing farmers' decisions in other contexts, including other regions and countries.
Develop a more comprehensive model: Future research should aim to develop a more comprehensive model that captures all the factors influencing farmers' decisions.
Investigate the impact of policies on farmers' decisions: Future research should aim to investigate the impact of policies on farmers' decisions and the sustainability of agricultural land.
Q&A: Factors that Influence Farmers' Decisions to Transfer the Function of Paddy Fields to Oil Palm Land in Rokan Hilir Regency

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the factors that influence farmers' decisions to transfer the function of paddy fields to oil palm land in Rokan Hilir Regency. In this article, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions related to this topic.

Q: What are the main factors that influence farmers' decisions to transfer the function of paddy fields to oil palm land?

A: The main factors that influence farmers' decisions to transfer the function of paddy fields to oil palm land are the variable ratio of income, education, land area, and capital availability.

Q: Why is the variable ratio of income a significant factor in farmers' decisions?

A: The variable ratio of income is a significant factor in farmers' decisions because it shows that farmers who get higher income from oil palm land compared to rice tend to prefer to perform transfers. This is because the price of oil palm commodities is often more profitable than rice, especially in the context of fluctuating market prices.

Q: Why does education not show a significant effect on farmers' decisions?

A: Education does not show a significant effect on farmers' decisions because farmers may not understand the importance of education in land management or access to relevant information. Additionally, the area of land owned by farmers may be enough to meet their needs, so there is no encouragement to maintain their long-term agricultural land.

Q: What are the implications of the study for policy-making?

A: The study highlights the importance of considering the welfare of farmers in policy-making, particularly in the context of land conversion. The government and stakeholders should design policies that not only support the increase in rice production but also consider the welfare of farmers.

Q: What are some of the recommendations based on the findings of the study?

A: Some of the recommendations based on the findings of the study are:

Design policies that support the increase in rice production: The government and stakeholders should design policies that not only support the increase in rice production but also consider the welfare of farmers.
Provide access to a better market: Providing access to a better market can be an effective step in maintaining the sustainability of agricultural land.
Training and education for farmers: Providing training and education for farmers can help them understand the importance of education in land management and access to relevant information.
Incentives for farmers who choose to remain farming: Providing incentives for farmers who choose to remain farming can be an effective step in maintaining the sustainability of agricultural land.

Q: What are some of the limitations of the study?

A: Some of the limitations of the study are:

Limited sample size: The study was conducted using a purposive sampling technique, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Limited data collection: The study was conducted using a logit binary regression model, which may not capture all the factors influencing farmers' decisions.
Limited context: The study was conducted in a specific context, which may not be generalizable to other contexts.

Q: What are some of the future research directions?

A: Some of the future research directions are:

Explore the factors influencing farmers' decisions in other contexts: Future research should aim to explore the factors influencing farmers' decisions in other contexts, including other regions and countries.
Develop a more comprehensive model: Future research should aim to develop a more comprehensive model that captures all the factors influencing farmers' decisions.
Investigate the impact of policies on farmers' decisions: Future research should aim to investigate the impact of policies on farmers' decisions and the sustainability of agricultural land.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the factors that influence farmers' decisions to transfer the function of paddy fields to oil palm land in Rokan Hilir Regency. The study highlights the importance of considering the welfare of farmers in policy-making, particularly in the context of land conversion. The recommendations based on the findings of the study can be effective steps in maintaining the sustainability of agricultural land.