Impact of Rice Field Conversion on the Availability of Rice in Banyumas Regency, Central Java Province

Abstract

The availability of agricultural land plays a critical role in addressing the food needs of the population. Population growth has led to the conversion of agricultural land, posing a significant threat to regional food security. Banyumas Regency, strategically located at the intersection of economic growth centers, has experienced substantial land conversion. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the conversion of rice fields and its impact on rice availability in Banyumas Regency. The data utilized in this research comprises secondary data spanning the period from 2012 to 2021. The analytical methods employed include assessing the rate of rice field conversion, evaluating food self-sufficiency levels, and conducting a multiple linear regression analysis to determine the combined influence of population and built-up area on rice field conversion. The results of the analysis reveal that when population and built-up land area are considered together, they account for 28% of land conversion. The conversion of agricultural land into non-rice fields results in a reduction of rice fields, negatively affecting rice availability and the food security of the population.