Analisis Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Minat Petani Dalam Menggunakan Pupuk Organik Pada Usaha Tani Padi Sawah (Studi Kasus: Kecamatan Rantau Utara, Kabupaten Labuhanbatu)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the factors that influence farmers' interest in using organic fertilizers in lowland rice farming in Rantau Utara District, Labuhanbatu Regency. The variables studied include farmers' internal knowledge, agricultural extension support, prices, and availability of organic fertilizers. The method used was a survey with purposive sampling of 44 farmers and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results showed that extension support had a significant positive effect on farmers' interest in using organic fertilizers, while internal knowledge, prices, and availability of organic fertilizers did not have a significant effect. These findings confirm that effective extension is a key factor in encouraging farmers' interest in using organic fertilizers. Therefore, it is recommended that the government and related institutions strengthen and intensify extension programs to support sustainable agriculture in the region.