Strengthening the capacity of farmers

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 55 views

Strategies for Development of Agricultural Sector Food Crops Subsector in Secanggang District, Langkat Regency

Introduction

The agricultural sector is a vital component of the economy in many regions, including Secanggang District in Langkat Regency. The food crops subsector, in particular, has great potential for development, given the district's rich agricultural resources. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, including limited access to modern technology, financial management constraints, and external threats such as climate change and market competition. This study aims to identify and analyze appropriate development strategies for the food crops subsector in Secanggang District, using the SWOT analysis approach.

Agricultural Sector Development Strategy for Food Crops Subsector in Secanggang District, Langkat Regency

Secanggang District in Langkat Regency has a long history of agricultural production, with a diverse range of food crops being cultivated. The district's fertile soil, favorable climate, and abundant water resources make it an ideal location for agricultural development. However, despite its potential, the sector faces numerous challenges, including limited access to modern technology, financial management constraints, and external threats such as climate change and market competition.

To address these challenges, this study aims to identify and analyze appropriate development strategies for the food crops subsector in Secanggang District. The study uses the SWOT analysis approach, which involves identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) facing the sector. The data used in this study consisted of 100 samples obtained from the distribution of questionnaires to farmers in Secanggang District.

Research Approach and Analysis Method

This study used primary data collection methods through the distribution of questionnaires to farmers in Secanggang District. The questionnaire was designed to gather information about the current conditions of the food crop subsector, as well as the challenges encountered. The SWOT analysis approach was used to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the sector.

The SWOT analysis involves identifying the internal and external factors that affect the food crop subsector in Secanggang District. The internal factors include the strengths and weaknesses of the sector, while the external factors include the opportunities and threats facing the sector. The strengths of the sector include the diversity of types of food crops that are cultivated and the availability of fertile agricultural land. The weaknesses of the sector include the lack of farmers' access to modern technology and limitations in financial management.

The opportunities facing the sector include the increasing demand for food crops in the domestic and international markets, as well as the availability of government support for agricultural development. The threats facing the sector include the impact of climate change, market competition, and the limited availability of water resources.

The Results of Research and ST Strategy

The results of this study indicate that the most effective strategy for the development of food crop subsectors in Secanggang District is the ST (Strength-Threat) strategy. This strategy focuses on utilizing existing forces to overcome the threats that may arise. For example, by utilizing the diversity of existing plants and improving product quality, farmers can face threats from price fluctuations and market competition.

In addition, strengthening the capacity of farmers through training and counseling is also an important part of this strategy. By increasing farmers' knowledge and skills in good cultivation techniques, they will be better able to face external challenges such as climate change and pest attacks.

Conclusion

Secanggang as a sub-district that is rich in agricultural resources has a lot of potential that can be developed through the right strategy. SWOT analysis provides in-depth insight to formulate the steps in developing effective food crop subsectors. By optimizing existing strengths and reducing the impact of threats, it is hoped that the agricultural sector in Secanggang District can develop sustainably and provide greater benefits for the community.

The development of the agricultural sector is not only important for improving the local economy, but also for food security at a wider level. The government, farmers, and other stakeholders must work together to develop effective strategies for the development of the food crops subsector in Secanggang District.

Recommendations

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

Strengthening the capacity of farmers: Farmers in Secanggang District should receive training and counseling to improve their knowledge and skills in good cultivation techniques.
Improving product quality: Farmers should focus on improving the quality of their products to face threats from price fluctuations and market competition.
Utilizing existing forces: Farmers should utilize the diversity of existing plants and improve product quality to overcome the threats that may arise.
Government support: The government should provide support for agricultural development, including the provision of modern technology and financial assistance to farmers.
Market access: Farmers should have access to domestic and international markets to increase their income and improve their livelihoods.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size of this study was limited to 100 farmers in Secanggang District.
Data collection method: The data used in this study was collected through the distribution of questionnaires to farmers, which may not be representative of the entire population.
SWOT analysis: The SWOT analysis approach used in this study may not be comprehensive, as it only identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the sector.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

Developing a comprehensive agricultural development strategy: A comprehensive agricultural development strategy should be developed to address the challenges facing the food crops subsector in Secanggang District.
Improving market access: Farmers in Secanggang District should have access to domestic and international markets to increase their income and improve their livelihoods.
Strengthening the capacity of farmers: Farmers in Secanggang District should receive training and counseling to improve their knowledge and skills in good cultivation techniques.

References

Agricultural Development Strategy for Langkat Regency: This study was based on the agricultural development strategy for Langkat Regency, which aims to develop the agricultural sector in the regency.
SWOT Analysis: The SWOT analysis approach used in this study was based on the work of Johnson and Scholes (2002), who developed a framework for conducting SWOT analysis.
Agricultural Extension Services: The agricultural extension services provided by the government were also used in this study to collect data from farmers in Secanggang District.

Appendix

The appendix includes the questionnaire used in this study, as well as the data collected from farmers in Secanggang District.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Strategies for Development of Agricultural Sector Food Crops Subsector in Secanggang District, Langkat Regency

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to identify and analyze appropriate development strategies for the food crops subsector in Secanggang District, Langkat Regency.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it provides a comprehensive analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the food crops subsector in Secanggang District. The findings of this study can be used to develop effective strategies for the development of the agricultural sector in the district.

Q: What is the SWOT analysis approach used in this study?

A: The SWOT analysis approach used in this study involves identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the food crops subsector in Secanggang District. The strengths include the diversity of types of food crops that are cultivated and the availability of fertile agricultural land. The weaknesses include the lack of farmers' access to modern technology and limitations in financial management.

Q: What are the opportunities facing the food crops subsector in Secanggang District?

A: The opportunities facing the food crops subsector in Secanggang District include the increasing demand for food crops in the domestic and international markets, as well as the availability of government support for agricultural development.

Q: What are the threats facing the food crops subsector in Secanggang District?

A: The threats facing the food crops subsector in Secanggang District include the impact of climate change, market competition, and the limited availability of water resources.

Q: What is the ST (Strength-Threat) strategy recommended in this study?

A: The ST (Strength-Threat) strategy recommended in this study involves utilizing existing forces to overcome the threats that may arise. For example, by utilizing the diversity of existing plants and improving product quality, farmers can face threats from price fluctuations and market competition.

Q: What is the role of the government in the development of the agricultural sector in Secanggang District?

A: The government has a crucial role to play in the development of the agricultural sector in Secanggang District. The government should provide support for agricultural development, including the provision of modern technology and financial assistance to farmers.

Q: What is the importance of market access for farmers in Secanggang District?

A: Market access is crucial for farmers in Secanggang District because it allows them to increase their income and improve their livelihoods. Farmers should have access to domestic and international markets to sell their products and earn a better income.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the limited sample size and the data collection method used. The study also relies on the SWOT analysis approach, which may not be comprehensive.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should focus on developing a comprehensive agricultural development strategy for Secanggang District, improving market access for farmers, and strengthening the capacity of farmers through training and counseling.

Q: What are the implications of this study for policymakers and stakeholders?

A: The findings of this study have implications for policymakers and stakeholders in Secanggang District. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive agricultural development strategy that addresses the challenges facing the food crops subsector in the district. The study also emphasizes the importance of market access and the need to strengthen the capacity of farmers through training and counseling.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study for farmers in Secanggang District?

A: The recommendations of this study for farmers in Secanggang District include improving product quality, utilizing existing forces to overcome threats, and accessing modern technology and financial assistance from the government. Farmers should also focus on improving their knowledge and skills in good cultivation techniques through training and counseling.