FLUKTUASI PENDAPATAN PETANI KARET DESA TINGKEA'O: KONTRIBUSI BIAYA PRODUKSI DAN HARGA JUAL

This study aims to analyze the contribution of production costs, particularly fertilizer
and pesticide costs, as well as the selling price of rubber sap to the income
fluctuations of rubber farmers in Tingkea'o Village, North Morowali. Using a
quantitative descriptive analysis approach with SEM PLS analysis processed through
WarpPLS V.8.0 software. Data were collected from 34 rubber farmers randomly
through structured interviews, direct observation, and documentation. The results
show that fertilizer and pesticide costs contribute significantly and positively to rubber
farmers' income, with path coefficients of 0.419 and 0.342, respectively (p-value <
0.001). Conversely, the selling price has no significant effect (p-value = 0.205). The
independent variable model explains 41.5% of the variation in income, with the
remainder influenced by other external factors. This study reinforces the farming
theory of optimizing production costs to improve farmers' livelihoods, while also
revealing the limited influence of selling prices due to market structure and the role of
middlemen. The strategic recommendations provided can form the basis for policies to
support the development of sustainable rubber farming and improve the welfare of
farmers in the region.