Millennial Generation’s Perception on Organic Rice Farming Sustainability in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

¹ Agribusiness Department, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Brawijaya Street Tamantirto Kasihan Bantul Yogyakarta, Indonesia
² Center for Study of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia
³ Agribusiness Department, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sukabumi, West Java Indoenesia
⁴ Centre for Languages and Human Development, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Malaysia
⁴ The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Japan

^* Corresponding author: triyono@umy.ac.id

Abstract

The characteristic of farming in Indonesia and other developing countries is predominantly small-scale farming with family members as the main labor sources. Organic rice farming as an environmentally friendly agricultural effort is also included in this family-oriented farming. Currently, a large proportion of local farmers fall into the category of the elderly individuals. Meanwhile, the young generation or so-called millennials of the rural communities indicates not to continue their parents farm business. This study aimed to determine the perception of the millennial generation towards organic rice farming and analysis the determinant factors. Quantitative descriptive research was carried out by interviewing 40 respondents from millennial generation in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the factors that influencing the millennial generation’s perception to organic rice farming. The results showed that the millennial generation’s perception towards organic rice farming was included in the good category. Socialization activities and involvement in farming improved millennials perception towards organic rice farming in the social aspect. Socialization through social media also beneficial for the economic aspect of organic farming according to millennials. Thus, for the sustainability of organic farming, millennials need to get education through the practice of being directly involved in the organic rice farming process and socialization through social media.