ANALISIS PEMENUHAN KEBUTUHAN PUPUK DAN DAMPAKNYA TERHADAP PRODUKSI DAN PENDAPATAN PETANI PADI

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Limited access to subsidized fertilizers remains a major challenge for rice farmers because discrepancies between fertilizer requirements, allocation, and distribution prevent production inputs from being fulfilled optimally. Previous studies have mainly focused on the effectiveness of fertilizer distribution or the impact of fertilizer use on productivity, while limited attention has been given to farmers' adaptation strategies and their implications for production and farm income at the local level. This study is important because it provides empirical evidence to support improvements in subsidized fertilizer policies. The study aimed to analyze farmers' strategies for meeting fertilizer needs amid limited subsidized fertilizer availability and to examine their impacts on rice production and farm income in Ungga Village, Praya Barat Daya District. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed through direct observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving rice farmers, fertilizer retailers, and Agricultural Extension Officers. Data validity was ensured through source and technique triangulation. The findings revealed that fertilizer shortages were caused by reductions in e-RDKK quotas, technical constraints in the Farmer Card system, and untimely fertilizer distribution. Farmers responded by purchasing non-subsidized fertilizers, reducing fertilizer application rates, and borrowing fertilizers from fellow farmers. These adaptation strategies increased production costs, reduced crop performance and yields, and ultimately lowered farmers' incomes. The findings highlight the importance of improving fertilizer allocation, distribution, and accessibility to sustain rice productivity and farmers' livelihoods.

ABSTRAK

Keterbatasan pupuk bersubsidi masih menjadi permasalahan yang dihadapi petani padi karena ketidaksesuaian antara kebutuhan, alokasi, dan distribusi pupuk menyebabkan akses terhadap input produksi belum terpenuhi secara optimal. Sebagian penelitian terdahulu lebih banyak membahas efektivitas distribusi atau pengaruh pupuk terhadap produktivitas, sedangkan kajian yang menghubungkan strategi adaptasi petani dengan dampaknya terhadap produksi dan pendapatan pada tingkat lokal masih terbatas. Penelitian ini penting dilakukan untuk memberikan pemahaman empiris mengenai respons petani terhadap keterbatasan pupuk sebagai dasar perbaikan kebijakan subsidi. Penelitian bertujuan menganalisis strategi petani dalam memenuhi kebutuhan pupuk di tengah keterbatasan pupuk bersubsidi serta dampaknya terhadap produksi dan pendapatan usahatani padi di Desa Ungga, Kecamatan Praya Barat Daya. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif melalui observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi terhadap petani, pengecer pupuk, dan Petugas Penyuluh Lapangan (PPL), dengan keabsahan data diuji menggunakan triangulasi sumber dan teknik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa keterbatasan pupuk dipengaruhi oleh pemangkasan kuota e-RDKK, kendala sistem Kartu Tani, dan ketidaktepatan waktu distribusi. Petani beradaptasi dengan membeli pupuk non-subsidi, mengurangi dosis pemupukan, dan meminjam pupuk antarpetani. Strategi tersebut meningkatkan biaya produksi, menurunkan pertumbuhan tanaman dan hasil panen, serta menekan pendapatan petani. Temuan ini menegaskan bahwa perbaikan tata kelola alokasi, distribusi, dan akses pupuk bersubsidi menjadi prasyarat penting untuk menjaga produktivitas padi dan keberlanjutan pendapatan petani.