Adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) among Arabica Coffee Farmers in Simalungun, Indonesia

Abstract

The implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in Arabica coffee cultivation in Simalungun, Indonesia still faces various challenges even though this practice is known to increase productivity and sustainability. Farmers still tend to use traditional methods and have limited understanding of modern agricultural techniques. This is a major problem in optimizing the implementation of GAP among local farmers, so it is necessary to study the factors that influence the level of GAP implementation. This study involved 117 coffee farmers in various subdistricts through in-depth interviews and questionnaires. The results showed that many farmers had not met GAP standards, especially in terms of seed selection, fertilization, and pest control. Correlation analysis revealed that the level of farmer education had a strong relationship with the understanding and implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. Based on these findings, a coordinated approach is needed involving various stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and the private sector. Comprehensive training programs and improved support systems are highly recommended to ensure farmers have the resources and knowledge needed to optimize coffee production sustainably. Collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and farmers is key to creating a coffee cultivation environment that is beneficial for both producers and the ecosystem.