Limited Knowledge and Skills

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 26 views

The Challenges of Melon Farming in Deli Serdang Regency: A Case Study of Lantasan Baru Village

Introduction

Deli Serdang Regency, located in the province of North Sumatra, Indonesia, is known for its rich agricultural land and diverse crops. Among the various crops grown in the region, melons are one of the most important commodities. However, despite their importance, melon farming in Deli Serdang Regency faces numerous challenges that hinder its development. This article presents a case study of Lantasan Baru Village, Patumbak District, Deli Serdang Regency, to identify the problems faced by farmers in the development of melon farming.

The Research Background

The research conducted by Aptriwati N. Simbolon, entitled "Some of the problems faced by farmers in the development of melon farming in Deli Serdang Regency," aimed to understand the challenges that hamper the development of melon farming in the region. The study was guided by Mrs. Ir. A. T. Hutajulu, MS, and Mr. Ir. Hasudungan Butar-Butar, MSi. The research focused on the problems faced by farmers in Lantasan Baru Village, Patumbak District, Deli Serdang Regency, with the aim of identifying the key challenges that need to be addressed to improve the productivity and income of melon farmers.

The Challenges Faced by Melon Farmers

The research revealed that melon farmers in Lantasan Baru Village face various challenges that can affect their production, productivity, and income. These challenges can be categorized into two main groups: internal and external factors.

Internal Factors

Limited Capital: Many farmers in Lantasan Village only have difficulty in getting sufficient capital to buy seeds, fertilizers, and equipment needed. This limitation often results in farmers unable to take advantage of modern technology that can improve their agricultural output.
Limited Knowledge and Skills: Limited knowledge of melon cultivation techniques is also one of the significant problems. Many farmers do not understand how to manage good crops, ranging from the selection of varieties, maintenance, to harvesting. This has a direct impact on the quality and quantity of melon yields.
Limited Access to Markets: Many farmers do not have access to a wider market, so they are forced to sell products at lower prices. This causes the income received is not comparable to the business issued.

External Factors

Irrigation Problems: The availability of water for irrigation is another challenge faced by farmers. In several seasons, water sources become limited, so that the growth of melon plants is disrupted. This has an impact on plant health and, in the end, reducing the yield.
Pests and Diseases: Pest and disease attacks are a common problem in farming. Farmers often have difficulty in applying effective eradication methods. Inability to manage pests and diseases can cause significant losses.
Loss of Harvest: Loss of yields due to various factors, including pest attacks, bad weather, or even theft, is a problem that is often faced by farmers. This loss not only affects income, but also on the motivation of farmers to keep trying.

Conclusion

In dealing with these problems, farmers in Deli Serdang Regency, especially in Lantasan Baru Village, require more support from various parties. Efforts to increase knowledge through training, access to capital, and improvement of irrigation and marketing infrastructure are an important step to help melon farmers in developing their businesses. With the right support, it is expected that farmers can increase productivity and income, so that melon farming in this area can develop well.

Recommendations

Based on the research findings, the following recommendations are made:

Training and Capacity Building: The government and other stakeholders should provide training and capacity building programs for melon farmers to improve their knowledge and skills in melon cultivation techniques.
Access to Capital: The government and other stakeholders should provide access to capital for melon farmers to enable them to buy seeds, fertilizers, and equipment needed.
Improvement of Irrigation Infrastructure: The government and other stakeholders should improve the irrigation infrastructure to ensure that farmers have access to sufficient water for irrigation.
Development of Marketing Infrastructure: The government and other stakeholders should develop marketing infrastructure to enable farmers to access a wider market and sell their products at better prices.

By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that melon farming in Deli Serdang Regency, especially in Lantasan Baru Village, can develop well and provide better income and livelihood for farmers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Melon Farming in Deli Serdang Regency

Q: What are the main challenges faced by melon farmers in Deli Serdang Regency?

A: The main challenges faced by melon farmers in Deli Serdang Regency include limited capital, limited knowledge and skills, irrigation problems, pests and diseases, loss of harvest, and difficulty in marketing and selling prices.

Q: What is the impact of limited capital on melon farming?

A: Limited capital can prevent farmers from taking advantage of modern technology that can improve their agricultural output. This can lead to reduced productivity and income.

Q: How can farmers improve their knowledge and skills in melon cultivation techniques?

A: Farmers can improve their knowledge and skills in melon cultivation techniques through training and capacity building programs provided by the government and other stakeholders.

Q: What is the role of irrigation in melon farming?

A: Irrigation is crucial in melon farming as it provides water for the plants to grow. However, irrigation problems can disrupt the growth of melon plants and reduce yields.

Q: How can farmers manage pests and diseases in melon farming?

A: Farmers can manage pests and diseases in melon farming by using effective eradication methods and adopting integrated pest management (IPM) practices.

Q: What is the impact of loss of harvest on melon farmers?

A: Loss of harvest can affect the income of melon farmers and reduce their motivation to continue farming.

Q: How can farmers access a wider market for their melon products?

A: Farmers can access a wider market for their melon products by developing marketing infrastructure and participating in trade fairs and exhibitions.

Q: What is the role of the government in supporting melon farmers in Deli Serdang Regency?

A: The government has a crucial role in supporting melon farmers in Deli Serdang Regency by providing training and capacity building programs, access to capital, and improving irrigation and marketing infrastructure.

Q: How can melon farmers in Deli Serdang Regency increase their productivity and income?

A: Melon farmers in Deli Serdang Regency can increase their productivity and income by adopting modern farming practices, improving their knowledge and skills, and accessing a wider market for their products.

Q: What is the future of melon farming in Deli Serdang Regency?

A: The future of melon farming in Deli Serdang Regency is promising, with the potential for increased productivity and income for farmers. However, it requires the support of the government and other stakeholders to address the challenges faced by farmers.

Q: How can readers get involved in supporting melon farmers in Deli Serdang Regency?

A: Readers can get involved in supporting melon farmers in Deli Serdang Regency by donating to organizations that provide training and capacity building programs, access to capital, and improving irrigation and marketing infrastructure. They can also spread awareness about the challenges faced by melon farmers and the importance of supporting them.