Persepsi Kaum Muda Terhadap Profesi Petani Di Desa Kumpai Batu Atas Kecamatan Arut Selatan Kabupaten Kotawaringin Barat

Sari

The interest of the younger generation in entering the agricultural sector, despite Indonesia being an agrarian country with great agricultural potential, is a continuously declining phenomenon. Young people tend to view farming as a low-status, less promising, and unfulfilling profession. This research aims to determine young people's perceptions of the farming profession in Kumpai Batu Atas Village, Arut Selatan District, Kotawaringin Barat Regency. This research uses a quantitative descriptive approach with data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and questionnaires administered to 48 respondents using the simple random sampling method. Data were analyzed using a Likert scale to measure the level of interest and expectations of young people regarding the farming profession. The research results show that young people's perception of the farming profession falls into the hesitant category, with an average perception index of 54.37% for interest and 59.7% for expectations. This reflects the uncertainty of the younger generation in choosing farming as a future career path. The low positive perception of the farming profession among young people poses a serious challenge to the future regeneration of farmers. Therefore, comprehensive agricultural education and socialization efforts are needed for young people to create a competent and sustainable generation of farmers.