Role of Youth in Organic Rice Commercialization in Boyolali

Abstract

Technological advancement requires farmers to be able to reach consumers and earn from their farming. Young generations, who are more adaptive to technological advancement, should be able to help contribute actively to increase the income of their parents who are farmers. This research aimed to find out the role of youth in the organic rice commercialization in Boyolali Regency and its effect on farmers' income. This descriptive research was carried out with the survey method and analyzed with two-stage least square. The results showed that there were four variables that influenced the organic rice commercialization, namely age, educational level, government program, and the role of youth as a liaison. In general, the role of youth in the organic rice commercialization in Boyolali Regency is very minimal. It was found that organic rice commercialization also affected the income of organic rice farmers in Boyolali Regency. Efforts are needed to attract youth to take an active role in the organic farmers’ activities, for example by giving an example that organic rice farming can generate sufficient income for farmer families. Youth should be given freedom to cultivate land resources and manage capital, organic rice training, and rural agrarian reform.