Institutional strengthening of farmer groups on sustainable intercropping in Majalengka Regency, West Java Province

Abstract

The government implements a special effort program (of food self-sufficiency) to achieve national food sovereignty focusing on three commodities (rice, maize, and soybeans). One of the efforts is to increase production with the intercropping pattern (Turiman). The program sustainability must be supported by strong farmer institutions. This study aimed to obtain the information about the farmer groups institution as a strong capital for sustainable farming. This study used a qualitative approach with data related to the assessment problem. This study also used relevant literature to learn the correlation between empirical facts and government programs. The study was conducted in June 2019 in Babakan Village, Majalengka Sub District, Majalengka Regency, West Java Province on 100 respondents. Based on the results, the farmers were still oriented to the monoculture model (maize). The supporting organization as a transformation institution was still very weak as indicated by the organizational structure. The low farmer knowledge on the technology introduced and the farmer group management as a technology transfer agent were still oriented towards monopoly profits. Thus, the Turiman model can be come a consideration for its sustainability. Such conditions require government intervention to achieve the strength farmer group institutions with various appropriate methods, such as assistance in managing organizations and collecting business assets as well as business capital.