Organic Agricultural Discourse in the Highlands and Lowlands. Case Study: Subang Regency, West Java Province

Abstract

The disparity in the amount of production and price of rice produced by organic farming in the highlands and lowlands of Subang Regency doesn’t make farmers stop producing it. This study aims to analyze organic rice farming in the highlands and lowlands, as well as analyze the factors that cause disparities in organic rice production in the highlands and lowlands. This research is a case study in Sagalaherang and Pringkasap District, Subang, West Java. Farming analysis and comparative case study analysis are the analytical methods used in this study. The results showed that: 1) organic rice production in the highlands is 3.2tons/ha, with an income of IDR17,600,000 and production costs IDR17,706,500, the farming business suffers a loss per season of IDR106,500, Ratio per Cost (R/C) is 0.99 and not making a profit. Rice production in the lowlands is 4 tons/ha, with an income of IDR22,000,000 and production costs IDR14,426,667, the farmer's profit per season is IDR7,573,333, the R/C is 1.52 and the profit rate is 0.48%; 2) several factors causing disparities in production yields in both areas covering geographical location, agro-climate, cultivation techniques, farmer knowledge, use of agricultural tools and machinery, marketing, and institutions. Although the income of farmers in the highlands is quite small, farmers keep choosing organic farming since they know that organic farming is healthy. The central government, regional governments, and farmers must work together to create new market opportunities so that rice produced from organic farming can be optimally absorbed by the market at competitive prices.