Kehidupan Sosial-Ekonomi Petani Tembakau di Desa Batu Karang Kecamatan Payung Kabupaten Karo (2009-2014)

Abstract

This study focuses on the Socio-Economic Life of Tobacco Farmers in Batu Karang Village (2009-2014). This study aims to explain the development and influence of tobacco farming on the social and economic life of farmers in Batu Karang Village, Payung District, Karo Regency, North Sumatra. This study is a qualitative study and uses a historical method in 4 stages, namely starting with collecting sources (heuristics) through literature studies and interviews with relevant parties, then conducting source criticism (verification), then the interpretation process so that data is presented in written form (historiography). The results of this study indicate that tobacco farming in Batu Karang Village has become a hereditary tradition. Tobacco farming in Batu Karang Village has unique qualities and is a primary commodity. This makes it the backbone of the economy and the main source of income for most of the community. From a social perspective, farmers are characterized by a high spirit of mutual cooperation and togetherness, especially during planting. From an economic perspective, tobacco harvests are the main source of income that improves the standard of living of farmers. This income enables farmers not only to meet their basic daily needs but also to purchase valuable assets and secondary goods such as land, private vehicles, and other necessities. The economic impact is most visible in the education sector. Farmers prioritize and are able to finance higher formal education for their children because they believe education is the main pathway to a better life in the future.