JurnalPost.com - Indonesia is known as an agrarian nation. This moniker is not without reason; Indonesia possesses vast agricultural lands, and a significant portion of its population works in and relies on the agricultural sector for their livelihoods.
However, behind this immense potential lies an issue that often escapes attention: the quality of human resources working in the agricultural sector.
When discussing economic development, public attention is often directed toward the industrial, manufacturing, digital technology, or modern services sectors. Meanwhile, agriculture is still frequently viewed as a traditional occupation synonymous with manual labor, low income, and minimal use of technology.
This perception must change. Agriculture today actually requires human resources that are increasingly high-quality and capable of adapting to the changing times.
Climate change, technological advancements, shifting public consumption patterns, market digitalization, and global competition mean that work in agriculture is no longer sufficient if it relies solely on experience.
The Problem Is Not a Labor Shortage, but Quality and Regeneration
One of the critical issues that needs attention in the agricultural sector is labor regeneration.
Many young people still view jobs in the agricultural sector as less promising than working in the industrial, trade, or technology-based sectors.
This condition indicates that the human resource issue in the agricultural sector is not just about the number of people working, but also about how to improve their quality, productivity, and welfare.
If a strategic sector like agriculture continues to be considered a second-class job choice, Indonesia risks facing long-term labor regeneration issues.
When the younger generation is not interested in entering the agricultural sector, the vast natural resources possessed by Indonesia will not automatically generate prosperity for the community.
Modern Farmers Must Be Adaptive Human Resources
Technological development should not be viewed as a threat to agricultural workers. On the contrary, technology can be a tool to increase productivity while reducing various risks in the production process.
Today's farmers cannot simply understand how to plant and harvest. They also need to understand soil conditions, weather changes, the use of agricultural technology, financial management, digital marketing, and market demands.
This means the concept of human resources in the agricultural sector must shift from mere labor to a workforce that possesses specific competencies.
This shift is important because productivity levels are closely related to the quality of human resources.
Workers who have education, skills, access to technology, and the ability to adapt will have a greater opportunity to create added value from the agricultural products they manage.
Do Not Just Push for Production, Increase Added Value
So far, farmers have often been limited to the initial stages of the production chain. In reality, greater profits can be obtained through processing, distribution, and marketing.
Agricultural products, for example, do not always have to be sold as raw materials. Various commodities can be developed into food products, beverages, health products, or other processed goods that have higher economic value.
This is where improving the quality of human resources becomes crucial.
Agricultural sector workers need opportunities to improve their skills not only in production aspects but also in entrepreneurship, product processing, the use of digital technology, and marketing.
Thus, labor development must not stop at job creation.
Equally important is how to create productive jobs that provide added value and are capable of increasing the income and quality of life of the community.
The Government Cannot Just Provide Aid
Government policy toward the agricultural sector also needs to be continuously adjusted to the evolving needs of the community.
Assistance in the form of production tools, subsidies, or social aid can indeed help the community, especially in the short term. However, such aid is not enough to build strong and competitive human resources.
An equally important investment lies in improving worker competence.
Training for farmers needs to be practical and sustainable. Farmers need to gain the ability to use technology, manage businesses, access financing, understand the market, and improve the quality of the products they produce.
Access to technology and information also needs to be expanded.
Digitalization can help farmers track market price developments, obtain weather information, find potential buyers, conduct transactions, and expand marketing networks.
Therefore, the measure of success in agricultural development should not only be seen from how much aid is given to the community.
A more important question is to what extent that aid is able to improve the community's ability to manage the potential they possess independently.
Changing the Perspective of the Younger Generation
Building human resources in the agricultural sector also means changing the public's view of the profession within it.
Being a farmer does not always mean working traditionally in the fields. A farmer can evolve into an agribusiness entrepreneur, an agricultural technology manager, a food producer, a processor of agricultural products, or a digital marketer.
Strengthening the quality of human resources is increasingly important given that agriculture holds a strategic position in Indonesia's economy and food security.
The younger generation needs to understand that agriculture is not an obsolete sector.
On the contrary, agriculture can be one of the most potential sectors in the future if managed using the right knowledge, technology, innovation, and business models.
Indonesia Needs Human Resources, Not Just Labor
Ultimately, Indonesia's wealth of natural resources will not provide maximum benefits if it is not accompanied by adequate human resource quality.
Vast agricultural lands require farmers who are productive, competent, and capable of keeping up with technological developments.
Therefore, the development of the agricultural sector must be placed as an important part of Indonesia's labor development.
The focus of development is not enough just on job creation, but must also include improving skills, productivity, income, protection, and the welfare of the workers.
If Indonesia is able to create tech-savvy farmers while encouraging the younger generation to see agriculture as a promising sector, then agriculture will not only act as a support for food needs.
The sector can also develop into a source of economic growth while creating quality jobs.
Indonesia is not lacking in potential. The real challenge is ensuring that the people managing that potential have the ability to turn it into productivity and prosperity.
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