Analisis Keberlanjutan Petani Muda Dalam Budidaya Sayuran di Kabupaten Sikka, Nusa Tenggara Timur

Abstract

Assisting young farmers in vegetable farming is a key strategy to support agricultural regeneration. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of young farmers that influence the success of vegetable farming, evaluate their sustainability status, and develop policy directions to ensure long-term sustainability. The research employed correlation analysis, the Multiaspect Sustainability Analysis (MSA) method, and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to determine policy priorities. The research was conducted in Sikka Regency by interviewing 93 young farmers to analyze the correlation between their characteristics and income from vegetable farming, while 7 experts were involved in the MSA and ISM. Findings show that age, type of vegetable commodity, and participation in training significantly affect young farmers' income. The MSA assessment across economic, social, and environmental dimensions resulted in a sustainability score of 69,13, indicating a sustainable status. Seven key leverage factors were identified: harvest marketing, savings from farming income, access to capital, application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), interest in agricultural work, annual rainfall, and the use of chemical pesticides. Further analysis using ISM revealed that access to capital and annual rainfall are positioned in quadrant IV (Independent), meaning they possess strong driving influence with low dependency. These two factors are considered critical and independent in supporting the sustainability of young farmers in vegetable farming