Motivation to improve the standard of living is also another driving factor

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 111 views

From Rice Fields to the Factory: Why Did the Farmers in Pohan Tonga Switch Professions?

Changes in the profession from paddy farmers to factory workers are not new phenomena. In Pohan Tonga Village, Siborongborong District, North Tapanuli Regency, this phenomenon occurs in the midst of people who have been dependent on agricultural products. This descriptive study aims to understand the factors that encourage the transition of this profession, as well as the socio-economic conditions of the community in the village.

The transition of rice farmers to factory workers is a complex phenomenon that requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors that drive it. Income is the main factor that encourages people to switch professions, as revenue from farming is uncertain and relatively small compared to working in a factory. Motivation to improve the standard of living is also another driving factor, as people seek better economic opportunities to support their families. In addition, the opportunity given by the company in the recruitment of labor, especially for the community around the factory, is also an important factor.

The study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive-qualitative approach, with the research location centered in Pohan Tonga Village. The subject of research is a community that switches professions from paddy farmers to factory workers. Data collection techniques are carried out through interviews, observation, and documentation. In addition, secondary data such as books, journals, and literature are also used to support analysis.

Deeper Analysis: The Implications of the Transition

This professional transition has complex implications for the community in Pohan Tonga Village. On the one hand, work in the factory offers income stability and opportunities to improve living standards. On the other hand, this can also cause social impacts, such as the loss of human resources in the agricultural sector, as well as the potential for agrarian conflict due to land conversion.

The transition of rice farmers to factory workers can have far-reaching consequences for the community. The loss of human resources in the agricultural sector can lead to a decline in agricultural productivity, which can have negative impacts on food security and the local economy. Agrarian conflict due to land conversion can also lead to social unrest and conflict, which can have negative impacts on the community's well-being.

The Importance of Government Role: Anticipating the Social Impact

Local governments need to play an active role in anticipating the social impact of the transition of this profession. Training and business development programs for people who switch professions, as well as efforts to preserve agricultural land, become an important step that needs to be taken. The government can also provide support to farmers who want to continue working in the agricultural sector, such as providing training and resources to improve their productivity and competitiveness.

Sustainable Solution: Integration between Agricultural and Industrial Sectors

As a long-term solution, integration needs to be sought between the agricultural and industrial sectors. Modern agricultural models that are oriented to the market and sustainable, as well as farmer empowerment programs, can be an alternative to increase the income and welfare of the rural community. This can be achieved through the development of value chains that link farmers to markets, as well as the provision of training and resources to improve their productivity and competitiveness.

Conclusion: Understanding the Factors Behind the Transition

The transition of the profession from paddy farmers to factory workers in Pohan Tonga Village is a complex phenomenon, with various factors behind it. Understanding these factors, as well as the social and economic impacts it causes, is important to formulate appropriate and effective policies in supporting the welfare of the people in the area. By understanding the factors behind the transition, policymakers can develop targeted interventions to support farmers who want to continue working in the agricultural sector, as well as those who have already switched to factory work.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future research should focus on the following areas:

The impact of the transition on the agricultural sector: This study should investigate the impact of the transition on agricultural productivity, food security, and the local economy.
The social and economic impacts of the transition: This study should investigate the social and economic impacts of the transition on the community, including the loss of human resources in the agricultural sector and agrarian conflict due to land conversion.
The role of government in anticipating the social impact: This study should investigate the role of government in anticipating the social impact of the transition and developing targeted interventions to support farmers who want to continue working in the agricultural sector.

By understanding the factors behind the transition and the social and economic impacts it causes, policymakers can develop targeted interventions to support farmers who want to continue working in the agricultural sector, as well as those who have already switched to factory work.

Q: What are the main factors that encourage rice farmers to switch to factory work?

A: The main factors that encourage rice farmers to switch to factory work are income, motivation to improve the standard of living, and the opportunity given by the company in the recruitment of labor.

Q: What are the implications of the transition of rice farmers to factory workers?

A: The transition of rice farmers to factory workers can have far-reaching consequences for the community, including the loss of human resources in the agricultural sector, agrarian conflict due to land conversion, and negative impacts on food security and the local economy.

Q: What is the role of government in anticipating the social impact of the transition?

A: Local governments need to play an active role in anticipating the social impact of the transition by providing training and business development programs for people who switch professions, as well as efforts to preserve agricultural land.

Q: What are the sustainable solutions to the transition of rice farmers to factory workers?

A: Sustainable solutions to the transition of rice farmers to factory workers include integration between the agricultural and industrial sectors, modern agricultural models that are oriented to the market and sustainable, and farmer empowerment programs.

Q: What are the benefits of the transition of rice farmers to factory workers?

A: The benefits of the transition of rice farmers to factory workers include income stability and opportunities to improve living standards.

Q: What are the challenges of the transition of rice farmers to factory workers?

A: The challenges of the transition of rice farmers to factory workers include the loss of human resources in the agricultural sector, agrarian conflict due to land conversion, and negative impacts on food security and the local economy.

Q: How can policymakers support farmers who want to continue working in the agricultural sector?

A: Policymakers can support farmers who want to continue working in the agricultural sector by providing training and resources to improve their productivity and competitiveness, as well as developing value chains that link farmers to markets.

Q: What are the long-term consequences of the transition of rice farmers to factory workers?

A: The long-term consequences of the transition of rice farmers to factory workers include the potential for agrarian conflict due to land conversion, the loss of human resources in the agricultural sector, and negative impacts on food security and the local economy.

Q: How can the government support farmers who have already switched to factory work?

A: The government can support farmers who have already switched to factory work by providing training and resources to improve their productivity and competitiveness, as well as developing value chains that link farmers to markets.

Q: What are the key factors that policymakers should consider when developing policies to support farmers who want to continue working in the agricultural sector?

A: The key factors that policymakers should consider when developing policies to support farmers who want to continue working in the agricultural sector include the impact of the transition on the agricultural sector, the social and economic impacts of the transition, and the role of government in anticipating the social impact.

Q: How can the government promote sustainable agriculture and reduce the negative impacts of the transition of rice farmers to factory workers?

A: The government can promote sustainable agriculture and reduce the negative impacts of the transition of rice farmers to factory workers by developing modern agricultural models that are oriented to the market and sustainable, as well as providing training and resources to improve the productivity and competitiveness of farmers.

Q: What are the potential solutions to the challenges faced by farmers who want to continue working in the agricultural sector?

A: The potential solutions to the challenges faced by farmers who want to continue working in the agricultural sector include developing value chains that link farmers to markets, providing training and resources to improve their productivity and competitiveness, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Q: How can the government support farmers who want to continue working in the agricultural sector and also support those who have already switched to factory work?

A: The government can support farmers who want to continue working in the agricultural sector and also support those who have already switched to factory work by providing training and resources to improve their productivity and competitiveness, as well as developing value chains that link farmers to markets.