The National Board of Zakat Republic of Indonesia Strategy in Managing the Zakat Potential in Agricultural Sector

Abstract

Zakat as one of the pillars of Islam occupies a very basic and fundamental position, hence His Messenger has ordered Muslims to believe and pay zakat as a form of obedience and the continuation of a harmonious life. Based on agricultural statistics for the period 2015-2019, the agricultural is still as the most important sector in supporting national economic development and it is the sector where most of the Indonesian population works as farmers. The Indonesian people who depend on the agricultural sector are around 38.70 million people, or the equivalent of 30.46%t of the total population in Indonesia. On the other hand, so far, zakat collection has still focused on zakat on assets, income and zakat fitrah, and has not yet touched the agricultural sector massively. Meanwhile, it is known that the potential for zakat in the agricultural sector is very large and until 2018 it is estimated at IDR64.61 trillion. Based on the above, this study seeks to examine how Baznas’ strategy is to manage the potential of zakat in the agricultural sector so that it can lead to economic growth in the community, especially agricultural communities in Indonesia.
 The results show that there are several strategies implemented by Baznas in managing agricultural zakat and these have been implemented in various forms of programs such as: (i). The system for cultivating agricultural land and providing superior seeds based on zakat; (ii). Agricultural assistance program; (iii). Mustahik move to muzaki (Green Horti) Program; and (iv). Expedition of zakat and economic empowerment program. Another finding is that zakat institutions are still not maximal in conducting socialization and assistance, as well as empowering rural communities. Baznas must start optimizing the collection of agricultural zakat and need to improve performance in making innovative programs that cover all regions in Indonesia.