The Level of Income and Poverty Lines

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 96 views

Analysis of Patchouli Farmers' Income in Terms of Poverty Lines: A Case Study of Sumbari Village and Bakkal Gajah, Silima Pungga-Pungga District, Dairi Regency

Introduction

Patchouli, a plant-based crop, has been widely cultivated in various regions of Indonesia, particularly in the province of North Sumatra. The crop is not only a source of income for farmers but also has significant economic and social implications. In this study, we aim to analyze the income of patchouli farmers in the villages of Sumbari and Bakkal Gajah, Silima Pungga-Pungga District, Dairi Regency, in terms of poverty lines. Our research seeks to provide a clear picture of the influence of production factors on farmers' income and their economic position compared to the applicable poverty line.

Background

Patchouli is a perennial plant that is widely cultivated in Indonesia for its essential oil, which is used in various industries, including perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The crop is relatively easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it an attractive option for small-scale farmers. However, the production of patchouli oil is often affected by various factors, including the number of plants, fertilizers, and labor outpouring.

Research Methodology

Our study was conducted in the villages of Sumbari and Bakkal Gajah, Silima Pungga-Pungga District, Dairi Regency, North Sumatra Province. We collected data from 100 patchouli farmers using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis to examine the relationship between production factors and farmers' income.

Research Results

Our study revealed several conclusions related to the income of patchouli farmers. Firstly, the effect of production facilities on patchouli oil production shows that:

Number of plants: Both simultaneously and partially, the number of plants does not show a significant effect on patchouli oil production.
Number of fertilizers: Similar to the number of plants, the amount of fertilizer also does not have a significant impact, both simultaneously and partially.
Labor outpouring: When viewed simultaneously, labor outpouring does not show significant effects. However, when analyzed partially, there is a significant influence indicated by the labor contribution to increased production.

The Level of Income and Poverty Lines

In the context of per capita income in the villages of Sumbari and Bakkal Gajah, it can be seen that based on rice consumption, patchouli farmers are at a sufficient level according to Sayogyo (1988). This shows that even though the production results are not optimal, farmers' income is still sufficient to meet their basic needs.

Economic and Social Analysis

Although the results showed the absence of a significant effect of several production variables on income, it was important to highlight several other factors that might contribute to the economic conditions of patchouli farmers. Firstly, access to modern agricultural information and technology can increase production efficiency and, in the end, income. In addition, an effective marketing system is also crucial; farmers must have a good distribution channel in order to sell products at optimal prices.

Social conditions also affect the welfare of farmers. For example, a community of farmers who support each other in terms of sharing knowledge and resources can provide greater benefits compared to farmers who work alone. Training programs from the government or private institutions in the field of sustainable agriculture can also help improve farmers' skills.

Conclusion

From this study, it can be concluded that although there are several factors of production that do not significantly affect the income of patchouli farmers, overall analysis shows that the economic position of patchouli farmers in the villages of Sumbari and Bakkal Gajah is quite good in the context of basic consumption. Therefore, to increase farmers' income and welfare, more comprehensive efforts are needed, including increasing access to technology, training, and effective marketing.

Recommendations

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

The government and private institutions should provide training programs for patchouli farmers on modern agricultural practices and sustainable agriculture.
An effective marketing system should be established to help farmers sell their products at optimal prices.
The community of farmers should be encouraged to support each other in terms of sharing knowledge and resources.
The government should provide access to modern agricultural information and technology to increase production efficiency and income.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was limited to 100 patchouli farmers, which may not be representative of the entire population of patchouli farmers in the region. Secondly, the study only examined the effect of production factors on farmers' income and did not consider other factors that may affect their economic position.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to examine the effect of other factors on patchouli farmers' income, such as market demand, government policies, and social conditions. Additionally, the study should be replicated in other regions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the economic position of patchouli farmers in Indonesia.

References

Sayogyo, S. (1988). Poverty Line in Indonesia. Jakarta: Ministry of Home Affairs.

Appendix

The appendix includes the questionnaire used in this study, the data collection procedure, and the data analysis method.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Patchouli Farmers' Income in Terms of Poverty Lines

Q: What is patchouli, and why is it an important crop for farmers?

A: Patchouli is a perennial plant that is widely cultivated in Indonesia for its essential oil, which is used in various industries, including perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Patchouli is an important crop for farmers because it provides a source of income and has significant economic and social implications.

Q: What are the main factors that affect patchouli farmers' income?

A: The main factors that affect patchouli farmers' income include the number of plants, fertilizers, labor outpouring, and access to modern agricultural information and technology. Additionally, social conditions, such as community support and training programs, also play a crucial role in determining farmers' income.

Q: What is the poverty line, and how is it related to patchouli farmers' income?

A: The poverty line is the minimum level of income required to meet basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing. In the context of patchouli farmers, the poverty line is based on rice consumption, and our study found that patchouli farmers are at a sufficient level according to Sayogyo (1988).

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings for patchouli farmers and policymakers?

A: The study's findings suggest that patchouli farmers' income is influenced by various factors, including production facilities, social conditions, and access to modern agricultural information and technology. Policymakers can use this information to develop targeted interventions to improve patchouli farmers' income and welfare.

Q: What are some potential solutions to improve patchouli farmers' income and welfare?

A: Some potential solutions include:

Providing training programs for patchouli farmers on modern agricultural practices and sustainable agriculture
Establishing an effective marketing system to help farmers sell their products at optimal prices
Encouraging community support and sharing of knowledge and resources among farmers
Providing access to modern agricultural information and technology to increase production efficiency and income

Q: What are the limitations of the study, and what are some potential areas for future research?

A: The study has several limitations, including a small sample size and a focus on a specific region. Future research should aim to examine the effect of other factors on patchouli farmers' income, such as market demand, government policies, and social conditions. Additionally, the study should be replicated in other regions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the economic position of patchouli farmers in Indonesia.

Q: What are some potential benefits of improving patchouli farmers' income and welfare?

A: Improving patchouli farmers' income and welfare can have several benefits, including:

Increased economic growth and development in rural areas
Improved food security and nutrition for farmers and their families
Enhanced social welfare and well-being for farmers and their communities
Increased access to modern agricultural information and technology, leading to improved production efficiency and income

Q: How can policymakers and stakeholders support patchouli farmers and improve their income and welfare?

A: Policymakers and stakeholders can support patchouli farmers by:

Providing training programs and resources to improve their knowledge and skills
Establishing effective marketing systems and distribution channels to help farmers sell their products at optimal prices
Encouraging community support and sharing of knowledge and resources among farmers
Providing access to modern agricultural information and technology to increase production efficiency and income

Q: What are some potential challenges and obstacles that patchouli farmers may face in improving their income and welfare?

A: Patchouli farmers may face several challenges and obstacles, including:

Limited access to modern agricultural information and technology
Inadequate marketing systems and distribution channels
Limited community support and sharing of knowledge and resources
Limited access to training programs and resources to improve their knowledge and skills

Q: How can patchouli farmers overcome these challenges and obstacles?

A: Patchouli farmers can overcome these challenges and obstacles by:

Seeking out training programs and resources to improve their knowledge and skills
Establishing effective marketing systems and distribution channels to help them sell their products at optimal prices
Building community support and sharing knowledge and resources with other farmers
Seeking out access to modern agricultural information and technology to increase production efficiency and income.