Subsidi Pupuk, Efisiensi Input, dan Ketimpangan Akses Petani Kecil: PerbandinganSistem Padi dan Jagung di Indonesia

Abstract

This article examines how fertilizer subsidy policy shapes input efficiency and access inequality
among smallholder rice and maize farmers in Indonesia. Fertilizer remains a strategic input in national food
production, yet subsidy distribution often faces targeting, timing, and institutional challenges. Using a
comparative case-study design based on secondary production statistics, policy documents, and agricultural
economics literature, the article compares rice and maize systems. The findings show that rice receives
stronger policy attention due to its central role in food security, while maize is increasingly important for
feed, food, and agro-industrial demand. National statistics show that rice production reached 53.14 million
tons of milled dry grain in 2024, while maize production at 14 percent moisture content reached 15.14
million tons. The article argues that fertilizer subsidy effectiveness depends not only on budget allocation but
also on timing, farmer registry accuracy, extension quality, soil-specific recommendations, and market
incentives. The novelty lies in integrating input policy analysis with crop-specific production systems and
inequality mechanisms. The article contributes to agricultural sciences by proposing an input governance
model linking institutional targeting, agronomic efficiency, and food-security outcomes.