Study on sustainable agriculture and dimension of needs: a case study patchouli farming in Aceh Jaya

Abstract

Aceh patchouli is a global market-leading commodity that has a high economic value regarding the most superior quality characteristics compared to other varieties. However, this condition has not been able to make a real contribution to regional economic growth and to overcome poverty problems in Aceh. This study aims to examine the dimensions of sustainable patchouli farming and its implications for poverty alleviation. This study employed a descriptive explorative method by a case study approach, which focuses on patchouli farmers who engage in a small-scale plantation business in Aceh Jaya, Aceh Province by field observation, in-depth interviews focused group discussions. This study found that the economic condition of the community has stagnated to grow well, even though the performance of patchouli productivity is relatively good. Several crucial issues in patchouli farming practices show a pattern that illustrates the weak support for strengthening the community's economy. This study emphasizes the urgency of strengthening the supporting elements of the integrated Aceh patchouli upstream-downstream business. Therefore, the goal is increasing welfare and growth must be based on changes in behavior to enhance productivity and value chain through the development and strengthening of an innovation system.

Farmer Empowerment and Its Contributing Factors (A Case Study of Patchouli Farmer in Kabupaten Aceh Jaya)

“…So that the complexity of the characteristics of this innovation becomes an obstacle in the behavior change process, such as the views of Mathe and Rey-Valette (2015) and Symons (2018) which state that practical knowledge is something that farmers want most to obtain and change. A study by Zikri et al (2021) suggests that changing behavior is necessary in enhancing capacity development of patchouli farmer through an innovation system. The development of capacity to increase awareness and willingness to change is an important element of empowerment through the role of farmer groups, increased knowledge and business skills, and cross-sectoral coordination and communication functions (Hendrastuti, 2012).…”

“…So that the interest of the community to carry out intensive and integrated cultivation system is also low. This condition is exacerbated by the highly volatile level of price stability in the market (Rahmayanti et al, 2018;Alighiri et al, 2020;Vonna et al, 2020;Zikri et al, 2021). In addition, the fluctuating price of patchouli oil in the market also affects the motivation of farmers to carry out intensive cultivation and processing (Yusnidar et al, 2021).…”

A quick assessment of patchouli nutrient stress on Inceptisols soil of Aceh, Indonesia

“…Without nutrient treatment (C0), has the lowest plant height compared to other treatments, followed by complete without N (C-N) and C-K treatments. The patchouli farming system in Aceh is generally carried out through forest encroachment and shifting cultivation and patchouli plants are not fertilized [4]. During the first planting the soil fertility is quite good, so the plant gets enough nutrients, therefore the omission of fertilizer did not affect plant growth.…”

“…The number of bases that can be exchanged Inceptisol soil is classified as medium to high, and the adsorbs complex is dominated by Ca and Mg ions with relatively low K ions. Inceptisol has low soil fertility due to the low content of organic matter [13] and nutrients [14] Patchouli planting carried out by farmers in Aceh only relies on nutrients and minerals found in the land through conventional cultivation techniques with a shifting field system [15]- [4]. Shifting field systems and repeated use of land will reduce soil nutrient content [16].…”

Fluctuation of Patchouli Oil Price and Its Effect On Patchouli Aceh Production and Productivity

“…Each patchouli farmer in Aceh has 1 hectare until 12 hectares of farming area. However, the potential of patchouli is estimated can not optimally [2] [3]. The efforts of the regional government in developing Aceh patchouli through the expansion of patchouli planting areas have not provided maximum results.…”