Pertanian Durian di Kelurahan Parongil, Kecamatan Silima Pungga-Pungga, Kabupaten Dairi (1980 - 2000)

Abstract

Agriculture is an important sector and concerns the sustainability of people's lives. Durian is an exotic tropical fruit plant with a distinctive taste and aroma. This research focuses on the development of durian farming in Parongil Village, where coffee production was once the dominant agricultural activity. Before 1980, local communities concentrated on growing Robusta coffee, supported by the government's provision of land for coffee nurseries, high-quality seeds, and fertilizer. The global coffee market, driven by the London stock exchange, favors specialty coffees in the region, leading to increased production. However, the influx of Vietnamese Robusta coffee with its superior aroma has caused a decline in the reputation and production of the local coffee industry. This paper aims to explore the potential of durian farming as a sustainable alternative, improving the livelihoods of local farmers and contributing to regional economic growth. Government attention is also a very necessary supporting factor, starting from improving infrastructure, building roads and other public facilities to facilitate accessibility. Community empowerment, through training and mentoring programs to improve community skills. As well as improving the quality of agricultural products, through agricultural extension and capital assistance to improve the quality of agricultural products.