Impact on Social and Economic Welfare

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 77 views

Introduction

The increase in fuel oil (BBM) prices has become a pressing issue that affects various sectors, including the agricultural sector. One of the most affected groups is rubber farmers, who rely heavily on fuel for their daily operations. This study aims to examine the impact of rising fuel prices on the income of rubber farmers in Langkat Regency, a region known for its rubber plantations. By understanding the effects of fuel price increases, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the welfare of rubber farmers and create a more sustainable agricultural environment.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative descriptive analysis and a Paired T-Test sample test technique to analyze the data collected from 100 rubber farmers in Langkat Regency. The purposive sampling method was used to select the samples, ensuring that the participants were representative of the target population. The data collection process was systematic, and the results were analyzed to identify significant differences in the income of rubber farmers before and after the increase in fuel prices.

Results

The analysis revealed significant differences in the income of rubber farmers before and after the increase in fuel prices. Before the price of fuel rose, the income of rubber farmers was stable and sufficient. However, after the increase in fuel prices, a significant decline in income was observed. This decline was attributed to the increase in operational costs, such as transportation and fuel purchases for agricultural equipment.

Impact on Social and Economic Welfare

The impact of the increase in fuel prices extends beyond the direct effect on income. It also affects the social and economic welfare of farmers. Many farmers are forced to reduce costs associated with the maintenance of their rubber plants, which can lead to reduced productivity and lower quality yields. This, in turn, can result in an economic cycle of decline for rubber farmers.

Unstable Selling Price of Rubber

The selling price of rubber is often unstable and lower than the production costs, further exacerbating the situation. This uncertainty creates instability in farmers' income, making it challenging for them to plan their economic future.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this study highlights the importance of government intervention to provide support to rubber farmers. Subsidies for fuel costs or improvements in transportation infrastructure can be a short-term solution to ease the burden of farmers. However, a more comprehensive policy in the management of the agricultural sector is necessary to help farmers deal with fluctuations in commodity prices and production costs.

Recommendations

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

Government Intervention: The government should provide subsidies for fuel costs or improve transportation infrastructure to ease the burden of farmers.
Comprehensive Policy: A more comprehensive policy in the management of the agricultural sector is necessary to help farmers deal with fluctuations in commodity prices and production costs.
Sustainable Agricultural Environment: Policymakers should strive to create a more sustainable agricultural environment by promoting practices that reduce the impact of fuel price increases on farmers' income.

Future Research Directions

This study provides a foundation for future research on the impact of fuel price increases on rubber farmers. Future studies can explore the following research directions:

Long-term Effects: Investigate the long-term effects of fuel price increases on rubber farmers' income and social and economic welfare.
Policy Interventions: Evaluate the effectiveness of government interventions, such as subsidies and infrastructure improvements, in mitigating the impact of fuel price increases on farmers.
Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Explore the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices that reduce the reliance on fuel and promote more resilient agricultural systems.

By understanding the impact of fuel price increases on rubber farmers, policymakers can develop strategies to improve their welfare and create a more sustainable agricultural environment. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the effects of fuel price increases on agricultural sectors and provides a foundation for future research in this area.

Q1: What is the main objective of this study?

A1: The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of rising fuel prices on the income of rubber farmers in Langkat Regency.

Q2: What methodology was used in this study?

A2: This study employed a qualitative descriptive analysis and a Paired T-Test sample test technique to analyze the data collected from 100 rubber farmers in Langkat Regency.

Q3: What were the results of the analysis?

A3: The analysis revealed significant differences in the income of rubber farmers before and after the increase in fuel prices. Before the price of fuel rose, the income of rubber farmers was stable and sufficient. However, after the increase in fuel prices, a significant decline in income was observed.

Q4: How does the increase in fuel prices affect the social and economic welfare of farmers?

A4: The impact of the increase in fuel prices extends beyond the direct effect on income. It also affects the social and economic welfare of farmers. Many farmers are forced to reduce costs associated with the maintenance of their rubber plants, which can lead to reduced productivity and lower quality yields.

Q5: What is the current situation of the selling price of rubber?

A5: The selling price of rubber is often unstable and lower than the production costs, further exacerbating the situation. This uncertainty creates instability in farmers' income, making it challenging for them to plan their economic future.

Q6: What recommendations are made based on the findings of this study?

A6: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Government Intervention: The government should provide subsidies for fuel costs or improve transportation infrastructure to ease the burden of farmers.
Comprehensive Policy: A more comprehensive policy in the management of the agricultural sector is necessary to help farmers deal with fluctuations in commodity prices and production costs.
Sustainable Agricultural Environment: Policymakers should strive to create a more sustainable agricultural environment by promoting practices that reduce the impact of fuel price increases on farmers' income.

Q7: What are the future research directions based on this study?

A7: This study provides a foundation for future research on the impact of fuel price increases on rubber farmers. Future studies can explore the following research directions:

Long-term Effects: Investigate the long-term effects of fuel price increases on rubber farmers' income and social and economic welfare.
Policy Interventions: Evaluate the effectiveness of government interventions, such as subsidies and infrastructure improvements, in mitigating the impact of fuel price increases on farmers.
Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Explore the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices that reduce the reliance on fuel and promote more resilient agricultural systems.

Q8: What are the implications of this study for policymakers?

A8: This study highlights the importance of government intervention to provide support to rubber farmers. Policymakers should strive to create a more sustainable agricultural environment by promoting practices that reduce the impact of fuel price increases on farmers' income.

Q9: What are the limitations of this study?

A9: This study has several limitations, including:

Sample Size: The sample size of 100 rubber farmers may not be representative of the entire population of rubber farmers in Langkat Regency.
Data Collection: The data collection process may be subject to biases and limitations.
Analysis: The analysis may not capture all the complexities of the issue.

Q10: What are the future directions for this research?

A10: This study provides a foundation for future research on the impact of fuel price increases on rubber farmers. Future studies can explore the following research directions:

Long-term Effects: Investigate the long-term effects of fuel price increases on rubber farmers' income and social and economic welfare.
Policy Interventions: Evaluate the effectiveness of government interventions, such as subsidies and infrastructure improvements, in mitigating the impact of fuel price increases on farmers.
Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Explore the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices that reduce the reliance on fuel and promote more resilient agricultural systems.