Management of Agricultural Equipment and Machinery to Increase Food Self-Sufficiency in Musi Rawas District, South Sumatra Province

Abstract

This study aimed to find out the feasibility and effectiveness as well as the role of UPJA in achieving its optimal objectives in the study area by comparing the conditions of the Service Units sourced from Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 25 of 2008. This research was conducted in Musi Rawas District, South Sumatra Province. This research was carried out from October to November 2019. Parameters to be observed in this study included the availability of the number of equipment, the rental price of farm machinery and equipment, operational performance of the farm machinery and equipment Service Business, and the UPJA development strategy. The results of this study were the management of UPJA in the irrigation area of Musi Rawas District, South Sumatra Province, which was still classified as a beginner based on a comparison of the Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 25 of 2008 because it had not fulfilled various aspects, especially technical, economic and training management. UPJA was expected to increase income and prosperity of communities in rural areas by increasing productivity and food self-sufficiency. The UPJA’s organizational structure was formed with the objective to divide and carry out its role properly so that it can develop into productive through business activities. High tolerance levels in the study area resulted in the owners of rice fields choosing to use human power than using farm machinery and equipment.