Strategies for Increasing Sweet Orange Production and Their Impact on Farmer Income in Partibi Lama Village, Merek Subdistrict, Karo Regency

Abstract

This study explores the impact of sweet orange cultivation on the income and welfare of farmers in Partibi Lama Village, Merek Subdistrict, Karo Regency. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the research investigates the relationships between key factors such as farming practices, market access, government support, and farmer income. The findings reveal that improved farming practices, including irrigation systems, pest control, and fertilizer application, have a strong direct effect on income by increasing sweet orange yields. Additionally, market access plays a significant role, with farmers who have direct access to local markets achieving better prices for their produce, thereby increasing their income. Government support was found to have a mediating effect on the relationship between farming practices and income, with subsidies and training programs helping farmers adopt better techniques, which, in turn, improved their earnings. However, the study also highlights several challenges, including pest infestations and climate variability, which negatively affect production and farmer income. The research emphasizes the importance of improving market infrastructure, increasing government support, and promoting climate-smart farming practices to enhance the sustainability and profitability of sweet orange farming. The study concludes that a combination of modern farming practices, better market access, and consistent government support can significantly improve the economic well-being of farmers in the region. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, agricultural institutions, and local authorities aiming to improve rural livelihoods through agricultural development.