Jakarta (ANTARA) -

Indonesia is witnessing a growing wave of youngsters getting into agriculture in crop-producing regions, with some taking over the reins of farms from their parents and others starting from scratch.

This is a sign that the national agriculture sector is getting a fresh, youthful vigor.

This shift has not happened by chance: it is the result of a big push from the Agriculture Ministry, which worked to create opportunities for the emergence of 2.5 million Millennial farmers between 2020 and 2024.

In 2021, a ministry decree highlighted that Indonesia was home to as many as 2,213 young farmers who had made a considerable mark in agri sub-sectors such as crop farming, horticulture, plantations, and livestock.

Demographic data shows that Indonesia’s productive population is mostly made up of people born in the period from 1981 to 1996. Thus, most Millennial farmers in the country are aged between 29 and 44 years.

Under President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the Indonesian government is aiming to achieve eight primary goals, which are collectively called the Asta Cita.

These goals include realizing food self-sufficiency and developing the country from the village level—two areas where young farmers are expected to make a difference.

An article in a scientific journal in 2024 broke down Indonesian Millennial farmers into three groups based on what drew them to agriculture: those continuing their parents’ profession, those putting their university knowledge to use, and those turning a hobby into an income source.

No matter how or why they got into farming, these young farmers are expected to serve as agents of change in rural communities, rallying more talents from their generation to pursue agriculture.

As promising as this trend may be, Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reported in August 2022 that less than 30 percent of the Indonesian population is involved in the agriculture sector.

This figure seems concerning, especially considering Indonesia’s huge agricultural potential.

It shows that a number of young Indonesians still tend to overlook the benefits of taking up farming as an occupation.

They see factory jobs or running businesses in big cities as more promising and prestigious than making a living from rearing crops or livestock.

Unfortunately, this trend is also being seen in villages, where agricultural activities should be thriving due to reliable irrigation systems.

It is critically important for Indonesia to have a larger number of successful young farmers to prove that farming is just as valuable and profitable as a career in management at a renowned corporation.

Effective and massive communication on farming’s appeal among youngsters is key for transforming rural areas into thriving centers of agriculture.

Therefore, the government and the private sector must take steps to raise people’s agricultural literacy to turn things around for the better.

Agricultural literacy

Educational efforts to build the capacity of new farmers, both in urban and rural areas, should focus on showing them that farming is not as hard as it may seem.

For this, the presence of agricultural mentors with strong communication skills is crucial.

One of the ways to get young people interested in farming is showing them how modern agricultural tech works on demo plots.

This approach has proved helpful in drawing in people who had no prior knowledge of farming.

Besides a lack of knowledge, fears of crop failures and unpredictability of trade can also scare people away from farming. The two issues haunt not only novices, but also experienced farmers.

This is where mentors—whether from the government or private sector—can step in and help new farmers navigate tough spots.

The responsibility for minimizing crop failure risks partly falls on seed providers and producers because, to get optimal harvests, farmers need high-quality seeds that match the specific conditions of their land.

If companies want farmers to stick with them, they should offer seeds that deliver strong yields with minimal upkeep.

One leader from such a company said that research and development, despite their lengthy and costly nature, are key to winning farmers’ trust and loyalty.

As for concerns about trade uncertainty, farmers nowadays can use a variety of digital apps to stay updated on commodity prices and avoid losses from underpricing.

In addition, a number of tech-powered tools and equipment are available that make it easier to store agricultural yields for longer or even turn them into more durable products.

For example, selling chilies in the form of powder can provide farmers with both extra profit and extended shelf life.

Boosting farming’s appeal

Getting young people interested in farming is not easy. This is evident in a well-irrigated village in West Java.

The young folks there would rather work in nearby factories than take advantage of the farming opportunities in their own village.

For Indonesia to reach food self-sufficiency, the government needs to invest more in developing its agricultural workforce.

It needs to create a new generation of farmers, whether from farming families or university grads with agricultural skills.

The nation does not lack stories about successful young farmers. The problem is that their achievements often get overshadowed by those of veteran farmers or big corporations.

That being said, setting up learning centers that offer free agricultural courses is important.

This can attract more young people to farming and teach them how to turn a profit, even with limited space in urban areas.

The task of opening and running such facilities should not fall only on the government.

The private sector can pitch in too, with the same goal: building a strong agricultural ecosystem that supports Indonesia’s push for food security.

Take the national capital, Jakarta, for example.

It houses several agricultural educational centers that help not only farmers but also agricultural enthusiasts hone their skills while exchanging valuable experiences.

At the end of the day, a strong agricultural sector is not just about tackling crop diseases or the vagaries of weather. Rather, it concerns how capable and determined its actors are in driving it forward.

The ability to read market trends is just as crucial because history has shown how prices can crash when too many farmers start growing the same crops at the same time.

This pattern could be especially detrimental for newcomers, as it could affect their willingness to stick with farming.

Once again, the government and private sector should take proactive measures to address the issue, offering guidance to young farmers so that they can see just how promising farming can be.

As an agrarian country blessed with a wealth of agricultural resources, Indonesia deserves to become a food powerhouse, with the agricultural sector becoming the backbone of the national economy.



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