The impact of policy on public problems

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 72 views

The Impact of the Farmers Card Program in Sidikalang District, Dairi Regency: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

The Farmers Card Program, initiated by the government, aims to distribute subsidized fertilizer more equally, especially for farmers from the lower middle class. However, despite its good intentions, the program faces significant challenges, including the scarcity of subsidized fertilizers due to uneven distribution. This study aims to analyze and describe the impact of the Farmers Card Program in Sidikalang District, Dairi Regency.

Background

The Farmers Card Program is a government initiative designed to address the issue of unequal fertilizer distribution among farmers. The program aims to provide subsidized fertilizers to farmers, especially those from the lower middle class, to improve their agricultural productivity and income. However, the program's success is hindered by the scarcity of subsidized fertilizers, which is often due to uneven distribution.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative descriptive research method to analyze the impact of the Farmers Card Program. Data and information were obtained through interviews and documentation, which were then analyzed qualitatively using the Thomas Dye theory approach. This approach includes three indicators:

The impact of policy on public problems: This indicator assesses the program's effectiveness in addressing the issue of unequal fertilizer distribution.
The impact of policies on the community involved: This indicator evaluates the program's impact on the farmers and retailers involved in the program.
The impact of policies on conditions or groups outside the target or policy objectives: This indicator assesses the program's impact on conditions or groups outside the target or policy objectives, such as the wider community.

Research Result

The results of this study showed that the use of farmer cards in the process of purchasing subsidized fertilizers has succeeded in overcoming the problem of distribution that is not on target. With a farmer card, farmers are easier to get access to People's Business Credit (KUR) because the KUR verification process becomes simpler. However, on the negative side, there are difficulties for farmers in redeeming subsidized fertilizer due to the determination of the kiosk where the redemption is, which is often far from the farmers' location. This can be a separate obstacle for farmers, especially those in remote areas.

From a government perspective, this program facilitates more accurate recording of agricultural data. Data obtained through the Farmers Card allows the government to understand the conditions of agriculture in Sidikalang District better and formulate a more targeted policy.

However, on the side of the retailer or kiosk in Sidikalang District, the use of farmer cards actually had a negative impact. The redemption process becomes more complicated and takes longer. This has the potential to cause disappointment among farmers who hope to get fertilizer quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Overall, the Farmers Card Program in Sidikalang District Dairi Regency shows a positive impact in terms of the distribution of subsidized fertilizer and access to people's business loans. Nevertheless, the challenges related to the location of the redemption stall and the complexity of the process at the retail level need to be considered so that this program can run better. Policies taken in the future need to consider input from all parties, including farmers, retailers, and government, to achieve more optimal goals in supporting the welfare of local agriculture.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improve the distribution system: The government should improve the distribution system to ensure that subsidized fertilizers reach farmers more efficiently.
Simplify the redemption process: The government should simplify the redemption process to make it easier for farmers to access subsidized fertilizers.
Increase the number of kiosks: The government should increase the number of kiosks to make it easier for farmers to access subsidized fertilizers.
Provide training to retailers: The government should provide training to retailers to improve their understanding of the program and to simplify the redemption process.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited sample size: The sample size of this study is limited, which may not be representative of the entire population.
Qualitative research method: The study employed a qualitative research method, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the program's impact.
Limited data collection: The study collected data from a limited number of sources, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the program's impact.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Evaluating the program's impact: Future research should evaluate the program's impact on a larger scale to provide a more comprehensive understanding of its effectiveness.
Improving the distribution system: Future research should focus on improving the distribution system to ensure that subsidized fertilizers reach farmers more efficiently.
Simplifying the redemption process: Future research should focus on simplifying the redemption process to make it easier for farmers to access subsidized fertilizers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Farmers Card Program in Sidikalang District Dairi Regency shows a positive impact in terms of the distribution of subsidized fertilizer and access to people's business loans. However, the challenges related to the location of the redemption stall and the complexity of the process at the retail level need to be considered so that this program can run better. Policies taken in the future need to consider input from all parties, including farmers, retailers, and government, to achieve more optimal goals in supporting the welfare of local agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Farmers Card Program in Sidikalang District, Dairi Regency

Q: What is the Farmers Card Program?

A: The Farmers Card Program is a government initiative designed to distribute subsidized fertilizer more equally, especially for farmers from the lower middle class.

Q: What are the benefits of the Farmers Card Program?

A: The benefits of the Farmers Card Program include:

Easier access to People's Business Credit (KUR)
More accurate recording of agricultural data
Improved distribution of subsidized fertilizers
Increased access to subsidized fertilizers for farmers

Q: What are the challenges of the Farmers Card Program?

A: The challenges of the Farmers Card Program include:

Scarcity of subsidized fertilizers due to uneven distribution
Difficulty in redeeming subsidized fertilizer due to the determination of the kiosk where the redemption is
Complexity of the redemption process at the retail level

Q: How does the Farmers Card Program work?

A: The Farmers Card Program works as follows:

Farmers register for a farmer card
Farmers use their farmer card to access People's Business Credit (KUR)
Farmers use their farmer card to redeem subsidized fertilizers at designated kiosks

Q: What is the role of the government in the Farmers Card Program?

A: The government plays a crucial role in the Farmers Card Program by:

Providing subsidized fertilizers
Improving the distribution system
Simplifying the redemption process
Providing training to retailers

Q: What is the role of retailers in the Farmers Card Program?

A: Retailers play a crucial role in the Farmers Card Program by:

Selling subsidized fertilizers to farmers
Providing training to farmers on how to use the farmer card
Simplifying the redemption process

Q: How can farmers access the Farmers Card Program?

A: Farmers can access the Farmers Card Program by:

Registering for a farmer card
Contacting the local government office for more information
Visiting the designated kiosks to redeem subsidized fertilizers

Q: What are the future plans for the Farmers Card Program?

A: The future plans for the Farmers Card Program include:

Improving the distribution system
Simplifying the redemption process
Increasing the number of kiosks
Providing training to retailers

Q: How can the community get involved in the Farmers Card Program?

A: The community can get involved in the Farmers Card Program by:

Providing feedback on the program
Participating in training sessions for retailers
Helping to promote the program in their local area

Q: What are the potential benefits of the Farmers Card Program for the community?

A: The potential benefits of the Farmers Card Program for the community include:

Improved agricultural productivity
Increased access to subsidized fertilizers
Improved distribution of agricultural products
Increased economic growth

Q: What are the potential challenges of the Farmers Card Program for the community?

A: The potential challenges of the Farmers Card Program for the community include:

Scarcity of subsidized fertilizers due to uneven distribution
Difficulty in redeeming subsidized fertilizer due to the determination of the kiosk where the redemption is
Complexity of the redemption process at the retail level

Q: How can the community address the challenges of the Farmers Card Program?

A: The community can address the challenges of the Farmers Card Program by:

Providing feedback on the program
Participating in training sessions for retailers
Helping to promote the program in their local area
Advocating for improvements to the program.