Petani Milenial: Pemilihan Karir Generasi Muda sebagai Petani Jeruk di Kecamatan Purba Kabupaten Simalungun

Abstract

This study aims to understand the reasons and factors influencing the decision of young people in Purba District, Simalungun Regency, to choose a career as orange farmers. This phenomenon is interesting because it contrasts with the national trend that shows a low interest among youth in the agricultural sector. In the local context, however, jeruk siam madu (sweet Siam oranges) farming has become a promising career choice for some youth. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving 20 main informants who are young orange farmers, and 2 additional informants consisting of community leaders and village officials. The findings show that the decision of young people to become orange farmers is influenced by several main factors: rational considerations regarding economic benefits such as relatively stable income, competitive orange prices, and broad market opportunities; social capital in the form of family support, farmer networks, and inherited farming traditions; and the influence of local culture that sees farming as part of community identity and pride. The younger generation shows adaptive capacity in facing challenges such as limited capital, rising fertilizer prices, and climate change by applying modern cultivation techniques and cost-efficient production strategies. These findings indicate that farmer regeneration in the region is not due to compulsion, but rather a conscious choice based on economic motivation, social support, and long-term strategies for achieving independence. This study recommends the importance of government policies that support young farmers through training, subsidies, and market access so that the agricultural sector remains sustainable. Based on the theory of the rational peasant by Samuel Popkin (1986), the decision of young people to become orange farmers is a logical consideration based on the evaluation of gains and losses. As youth, they view this profession as capable of providing economic stability, broad market opportunities, and control over their time and labor in a self-reliant and sustainable manner.