PERSEPSI PETANI TERHADAP RISIKO HARGA TERONG DI KURANJI

Abstract

This study aims to analyze farmers’ perceptions of price risk and market uncertainty in eggplant farming in Kuranji, Padang City. Price fluctuation is one of the main challenges in horticultural production, affecting farmers’ income stability and decision-making. A descriptive qualitative method was used, involving in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation with purposively selected eggplant farmers. The results show that farmers perceive price risk as a significant threat due to unstable market demand, seasonal production patterns, and dependency on middlemen. Farmers’ responses to price risk vary, including adjusting planting schedules, reducing input usage, and diversifying marketing channels. The study concludes that strengthening information access, improving farmer–market linkages, and developing risk-management strategies are essential to reduce farmers’ vulnerability to price uncertainty. These findings provide an overview of farmers’ behavioral patterns in facing market fluctuations and the implications for agricultural resilience.