Regeneration of rural rice farmers in Central Java Province

Abstract

Central Java Province is one of the rice production centers in Java Island which plays a role in supporting national food availability. The phenomenon of a decrease in the number of agricultural business households over 10 years by 16.3 % indicates a shift in the interest of people working in the agricultural sector, switching to other sectors outside the agricultural sector. The lack of interest of the younger generation in farming indicates the phenomenon of a shift in community interest in the agricultural sector. This is inseparable from the regeneration of farmers in rural areas. This research uses the basic method of descriptive analysis. The research location was determined by purposive method so that the district with the largest average harvest area and rice production, namely Grobogan District and the location that reflects the adoption of technology, namely Sukoharjo District. The number of research samples was 250 samples of rice farmers in Central Java Province. Factors affecting the regeneration of rice farmers in Central Java Province were analyzed by SEM PLS. The results of the inner model analysis showed (1) latent variables of individual characteristics, socio-cultural environment, and farmer empowerment significantly positive effect on the performance of rice farmers, (2) economic environment variables and farm management had, a significantly negative effect on the performance of rice farmers, (3) latent variables of socio-cultural environment, economic environment, and performance of rice farmers have a significant positive effect on the regeneration of rice farmers in Central Java Province and (4) variable farmer empowerment has a significant negative effect on the regeneration of rice farmers in Central Java Province. The results of the model fit analysis and quality indices show that the model fit test has been fit (ideal).