Applying policies that support and protect paddy fields

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 67 views

Analysis of the Conversion of Paddy Fields in Langkat Regency: A Serious Threat to Food Security

Introduction

The conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, has become a crucial issue in recent years. The rapid growth of the population and development of the area has led to a significant change in the function of paddy fields, which were once the main source of food for the community. The conversion of paddy fields into non-agricultural areas such as plantations, housing, and public facilities has raised concerns about the impact on food security in the region. This article aims to analyze the conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency and its implications for food security.

Background

Paddy fields have been the backbone of agriculture in Langkat Regency for centuries. They provide a significant source of income for farmers and are essential for food security in the region. However, in recent years, the conversion of paddy fields has become a major concern. Research conducted in 2009 in Langkat Regency examined the pace of the conversion of paddy fields over the past 10 years (1998-2007) and explored the motivation of farmers in maintaining or converting their land. The study also projected the conditions of paddy fields in the next 10 years (2017).

Methodology

The study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data. The researchers collected data on the area of paddy fields converted over the past 10 years and interviewed farmers to understand their motivations for converting or maintaining their land. The study also used a survey to collect data on the economic value of rice commodities and the impact of the conversion of paddy fields on food security.

Results

The results of the study showed that the rate of conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency was quite high. During the 1998-2007 period, there were 10,284 hectares of paddy fields that changed functions, with an average rate of 11.44%. The highest function transfer rate occurred in the 1999-2000 period with 11.63%. The main factors behind this phenomenon were the increased land use for plantations, such as oil palm, rubber, and rambutan, as well as the construction of housing and public facilities.

The motivation of farmers in converting land was very varied. As many as 75% of farmers stated that maintaining paddy fields became their last choice. Meanwhile, most (90.91%) farmers who replaced their farm business commodities were driven by a more expensive replacement commodity price. Economic motivation was also a major factor for 90% of farmers who sold their land, triggered by urgent needs.

Projection of Paddy Fields in 2017

The projection of the condition of paddy fields in 2017 showed an alarming picture. Based on the rate of function that occurs, it was estimated that there would be a decrease in paddy fields of 36,603.91 hectares or 46% of the area of paddy fields in 2007. This had an impact on the decline in rice production by 106,002.41 tons.

Impact on Food Security

A serious threat to food security in Langkat Regency was increasingly apparent. The rice production deficit was estimated to reach 23,110.05 tons in 2017. The impact would be felt for the community, both in terms of food and economic availability.

Conclusion

The conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency has become a serious threat to food security in the region. The rapid growth of the population and development of the area has led to a significant change in the function of paddy fields, which were once the main source of food for the community. The study highlights the need for coordinated and comprehensive efforts to overcome the conversion of paddy fields and maintain food security in the community.

Recommendations

To overcome the conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency, the following efforts can be made:

Applying policies that support and protect paddy fields: Strict and integrated regulations to limit the transfer of paddy fields and encourage sustainable land use.
Increasing the economic value of rice commodities: Agricultural Technology Development Program, Improvement of Infrastructure, and Increasing Rice Selling Prices to make paddy fields remain an attractive choice for farmers.
Encouraging diversification of farm businesses: Offering programs and assistance for farmers to cultivate paddy fields with other commodities that are of high economic value, but do not interfere with the function of paddy fields as food providers.
Encouraging community participation: Increasing public awareness about the importance of the role of paddy fields in food security and inviting the community to jointly preserve paddy fields.

Through coordinated and comprehensive efforts, the conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency can be overcome, and the food security of the community can be maintained.

References

[1] Research conducted in 2009 in Langkat Regency.
[2] Study on the conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency.
[3] Data on the area of paddy fields converted over the past 10 years.
[4] Survey on the economic value of rice commodities.
[5] Interview with farmers to understand their motivations for converting or maintaining their land.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

Impact of the conversion of paddy fields on food security: A more in-depth analysis of the impact of the conversion of paddy fields on food security in Langkat Regency.
Economic value of rice commodities: A study on the economic value of rice commodities and the impact of the conversion of paddy fields on the economic value of rice.
Diversification of farm businesses: A study on the diversification of farm businesses and the impact of the conversion of paddy fields on the diversification of farm businesses.

By conducting further research in these areas, policymakers and stakeholders can make informed decisions to overcome the conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency and maintain food security in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Conversion of Paddy Fields in Langkat Regency

Introduction

The conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency has become a major concern in recent years. As the population and development of the area continue to grow, the pressure on paddy fields to be converted into non-agricultural areas such as plantations, housing, and public facilities has increased. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency.

Q: What is the current rate of conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency?

A: According to the research conducted in 2009, the rate of conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency was quite high. During the 1998-2007 period, there were 10,284 hectares of paddy fields that changed functions, with an average rate of 11.44%.

Q: What are the main factors behind the conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency?

A: The main factors behind the conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency are the increased land use for plantations, such as oil palm, rubber, and rambutan, as well as the construction of housing and public facilities.

Q: What are the motivations of farmers in converting their land?

A: The motivations of farmers in converting their land are varied. As many as 75% of farmers stated that maintaining paddy fields became their last choice. Meanwhile, most (90.91%) farmers who replaced their farm business commodities were driven by a more expensive replacement commodity price. Economic motivation was also a major factor for 90% of farmers who sold their land, triggered by urgent needs.

Q: What is the impact of the conversion of paddy fields on food security in Langkat Regency?

A: The conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency has a significant impact on food security in the region. The rice production deficit is estimated to reach 23,110.05 tons in 2017, which will have a negative impact on the community, both in terms of food and economic availability.

Q: What can be done to overcome the conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency?

A: To overcome the conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency, the following efforts can be made:

Applying policies that support and protect paddy fields: Strict and integrated regulations to limit the transfer of paddy fields and encourage sustainable land use.
Increasing the economic value of rice commodities: Agricultural Technology Development Program, Improvement of Infrastructure, and Increasing Rice Selling Prices to make paddy fields remain an attractive choice for farmers.
Encouraging diversification of farm businesses: Offering programs and assistance for farmers to cultivate paddy fields with other commodities that are of high economic value, but do not interfere with the function of paddy fields as food providers.
Encouraging community participation: Increasing public awareness about the importance of the role of paddy fields in food security and inviting the community to jointly preserve paddy fields.

Q: What is the role of the government in overcoming the conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency?

A: The government plays a crucial role in overcoming the conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency. The government can apply policies that support and protect paddy fields, increase the economic value of rice commodities, and encourage diversification of farm businesses. The government can also encourage community participation by increasing public awareness about the importance of the role of paddy fields in food security.

Q: What is the future of paddy fields in Langkat Regency?

A: The future of paddy fields in Langkat Regency is uncertain. If the conversion of paddy fields continues at the current rate, it is estimated that there will be a decrease in paddy fields of 36,603.91 hectares or 46% of the area of paddy fields in 2007. This will have a significant impact on food security in the region.

Q: What can be done to preserve paddy fields in Langkat Regency?

A: To preserve paddy fields in Langkat Regency, the following efforts can be made:

Applying policies that support and protect paddy fields: Strict and integrated regulations to limit the transfer of paddy fields and encourage sustainable land use.
Increasing the economic value of rice commodities: Agricultural Technology Development Program, Improvement of Infrastructure, and Increasing Rice Selling Prices to make paddy fields remain an attractive choice for farmers.
Encouraging diversification of farm businesses: Offering programs and assistance for farmers to cultivate paddy fields with other commodities that are of high economic value, but do not interfere with the function of paddy fields as food providers.
Encouraging community participation: Increasing public awareness about the importance of the role of paddy fields in food security and inviting the community to jointly preserve paddy fields.

By understanding the frequently asked questions about the conversion of paddy fields in Langkat Regency, we can better address the challenges facing the region and work towards a more sustainable future for paddy fields.