Socio-economic perspective of rice farming in shallot production centre in Nganjuk District, East Java Province

Abstract

Rice farming in Nganjuk District, East Java Province, was conducted once a year. However, it plays an important role in the farmer households’ livelihood in this shallot-producing centre. Rice has economic and social value to farmers aside from their main income from shallot farming. This study aims to analyse the role of rice farming in the community’s rice reserves. The analysis applied in this study was descriptive quantitative. The results show that, on average, farmer households consist of four members, and most of their land areas are grown with shallots. Rice farming maximises family labour. The rice produced is not sold by farmers but stored and milled to meet household needs. Overall, farmers’ rice production is sufficient and surplus to some extent. However, some farmers with relatively small landholdings buy additional rice. There is no specific farmers’ management of the rice surplus. Rice price fluctuations do not affect farmers’ behaviour in rice consumption, resulting in strong food security. The government needs to enhance rice production, especially in this shallot-producing centre. It is also necessary to synergise programs among stakeholders to maintain food reserves for the community’s food security.