Socio-Economic Assessment Of Organic Farming In Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Adoption and implementation of Green Revolution Technology, the so called Conventional Agriculture (CA), has increased agricultural production. However, the application of chemical fertilizers & pesticides under CA has resulted in some problems: falling biodiversity, soil degradation, soil & water pollution, and human health problems. In response to these problems, some people demand safer foods which are produced under Organic Agriculture (OA). Demand for organic products – particularly rice and vegetables - steadily increases in some big cities of Indonesia, especially in Java. The demand for these products is quite small compared to total demand of the conventional products. Due to small demand and under-developed market for organic products, the farmers are reluctant to produce the organic products. Could Organic Agriculture (OA) produce comparable or even higher yields and incomes? Would OA empower the farmers, reduce rural poverty, and improve their livelihood? Field research in Bogor indicated that organic rice yield steadily increased with planting season and approaching that of conventional one. But, this trend was not applicable for organic vegetables. Organic vegetable yield was still lower than that of conventional one and very sensitive with the weather conditions, pests and diseases. From economic point of view, organic rice was economically feasible. It resulted in higher incomes, due to higher prices, than those of conventional ones. However, organic vegetable was still infeasible. Market for organic products was also very specific. This has made the farmers reluctant to adopt organic agricultural system. Some programs are suggested in developing the organic farming system in the region: expansion of the organic products markets through the development of market networks and farmers‟ cooperation; and improvement of government supports for agricultural development, including technical training on organic farming and provision of extension workers.