A strong food and agriculture system is a nation’s weapon in combating poverty.
Unfortunately, even though Indonesia is an agrarian country with fertile land, it hasn’t made the nation strong enough in the agricultural sector.
Farming is not as simple as planting seeds and harvesting; many factors must be considered to strengthen agriculture in a certain country.
Drastic Decline in Indonesia’s Agriculture Numbers
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), the agricultural sector’s growth plummeted to -24.75 percent in the first quarter of 2024.
This contraction in the first three months of 2024 is caused by several factors, one of which is climate change disrupting farmers’ harvests.
Weather anomalies continue to control the growth of the agricultural sector in Indonesia. Therefore, innovation and education for farmers on this matter are urgently needed.
This drastic decline is highly regrettable. Based on BPS data, the population working in the agricultural sector in the first quarter of 2023 was 29.36 percent.
In the first quarter of 2024, it was 28.64 percent. Out of Indonesia’s total workforce of 142.18 million people, this represents an increase of 0.03 million.
This could also be due to new farmers not gaining access to adequate knowledge, resources, and strategies.
If left unaddressed, Indonesia could lose its ‘power’ in agriculture—a troubling prospect for one of the largest agrarian countries in the world.
Agriculture and livestock are the primary food sources for society, especially considering the current food crisis also looming over the country.
Factors Stalling the Agricultural Sector in Indonesia
Climate change is not the main factor causing the decline in agriculture in Indonesia.
Lack of knowledge, insufficient resources, and the authorities’ neglect of farmer welfare have made it difficult for Indonesia’s agricultural sector to advance.
Many farmers still operate independently, which is another reason why agriculture struggles to progress.
Farmers should have solid and strong communities to make it easier to access information, education, and even resources.
Best Solutions for Advancing the Agricultural Sector in Indonesia
So, what should we all do to revive Indonesia’s agricultural sector? There are several important steps to consider, as outlined below.
Massive and Equitable Farmer Education
Providing widespread and equitable education to farmers is crucial for advancing agriculture today.
Climate change and weather anomalies require farmers to equip themselves with adequate knowledge to adapt.
Moreover, the use of technology plays a vital role in supporting every agricultural process and should be understood and applied in the field.
For example, using fertilizers, plant nutrients, and machines is more effective than conventional farming methods.
Fulfill the Necessary Resources
As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest factors hindering the progress of agriculture in Indonesia is a lack of resources.
Beyond knowledge, farmers struggle to access other resources, such as superior seeds, fertilizers, and machinery.
It’s important to remember that most farmers in Indonesia are small-scale and live in rural areas, making it difficult for them to access these necessities.
Limited infrastructure and even difficulties in obtaining electricity in their areas also prevent farmers from using technological innovations to ease agricultural processes.
The government should open up access for farmers to meet their capital and other resource needs. Assistance must be fair and well-targeted.
Build Strong Farmer Communities
Most farmers in Indonesia work individually, limiting their access to the latest agricultural information.
Although farmer associations exist in various regions, they are often informal and have unclear visions.
The leadership in these organizations is usually not strong enough, making it difficult to compile aspirations and find solutions to the problems that farmers are facing.
It is necessary to create a solid and formal farmer organization with a clear structure and connections to key institutions, such as the government.
Through this way, farmers can find solutions to challenges in the field, such as pest management, poor harvests, and access to various resources that support farming.
A strong farmer group can also help negotiate commodity prices in the market.
Design Agricultural Strategies Based on Geographical Conditions
A crucial yet often ignored solution is designing agricultural strategies that fit the geographical conditions of each region.
Indonesia’s geographical conditions are highly diverse, with flat areas and high ridges in certain regions.
For instance, hilly land used for rice fields tends to be unsuitable for large farming machinery.
Farmers should be educated on designing farming or gardening strategies that suit the soil and surrounding environment.
For example, certain crops are more suitable for lowland areas. Such knowledge is still not evenly distributed among farmers in Indonesia.
Build Partnerships with Third Parties
Building partnerships with third parties can also support the development of Indonesia’s agricultural sector.
For example, connections between farmers and agribusiness companies can simplify the marketing process for agricultural products without intermediaries.
Easier market access can improve commodity prices for farmers, allowing them to earn appropriate profits.
Not only businesses or entrepreneurs in the food sector, but farmers are also encouraged to build connections with academics who specialize in agriculture.
This partnership aims to enrich agricultural knowledge and introduce innovations to improve harvest outcomes.
So, Who’s Responsible for The Stalling of Indonesia’s Agricultural Sector?
So, who is responsible for the stagnation of the food agriculture sector in Indonesia?
We cannot place the blame on one party alone. The progress of the agricultural sector in Indonesia is a collective responsibility.
The government, private sector, academics, and farmer associations must collaborate to produce the best solutions for Indonesia’s agricultural sector.
Currently, efforts to advance the agricultural sector are being made by various parties, including the government.
However, these efforts have not been maximized and have not yet had a significant impact, as evidenced by the declining growth numbers in the agricultural sector in the first three months of this year.
If we unite our efforts and solidify our vision and mission, it’s not impossible for Indonesia’s agricultural sector to rise again.
Let’s create a brighter future through the agricultural sector. A nation’s food security begins with the welfare of its farmers.