Assessing the impact of agricultural machinery assistance on rice production in Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract This study evaluates the agronomic, economic, and institutional impacts of Indonesia’s Agricultural Machinery Assistance program on rice productivity, emphasizing its inclusivity and scalability. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from farmer surveys, institutional records in Tegal and Tangerang Regencies, and national statistics. Quantitative analyses, including Spearman’s rank correlation and linear regression, assessed the relationship between mechanization and key performance indicators. In Tegal, mechanization led to a 21–22% increase in yield, a 37.5% rise in cropping index, a 44% improvement in labor efficiency, and a 58% reduction in harvest losses. Tangerang showed similar gains: a 25% yield increase, 35% higher cropping index, 45% lower labor requirements, 60% fewer harvest losses, and a 26% rise in net income despite a 28% cost increase. Institutional analysis traced the role of the Agricultural Machinery Information System, community-based service providers, and financial instruments like People’s Business Credit and Rice Farming Insurance in supporting adoption. The findings suggest that mechanization is not a technical upgrade but a strategic intervention that enhances productivity, economic viability, and rural resilience, offering a scalable model for inclusive agricultural transformation.

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