Farmers’ Interest in Land Utilization for the Development of Melon Farming with the Drip System: Case Study in Gunung Kidul Regency, Indonesia

The younger generation's disinterest in working in the agricultural sector has developed into an obstacle in the process of cross-generational agricultural succession. It is essential to ensure the regeneration of the agricultural sector. This study aims: (1) to determine the interest of young farmers in land use for the development of melon farming and (2) to determine the effect of income, employment, education, and the community environment on youth interest. Farming in land use for the development of melon farming. This research is a descriptive study involving all members of farmer groups in Gunung Kidul Regency who develop melon cultivation by applying drip irrigation systems as respondents. The number of respondents was 40 farmers. Gunungkidul Regency has a soil texture of rock and clay, which is prone to drought, but this has yet to dampen the interest of young farmers in Wonosari District in developing melon farming by implementing a drip system. To determine the relationship between farmers’ interest in cultivating melons using the drip irrigation system and income, employment, and the community's. The results showed that the interest of young farmers in developing melon farming was in the very high category. Most of the melon farmers are young. They feel happy running a melon farming with a drip system as a form of technological innovation. They have the awareness and willingness to make melon farming a prospective job. Factors of income, employment, education, and community environment show a significant positive relationship to farmers’ interest in developing melon farming with a drip system. Efforts are needed to foster farmer interest through the application of appropriate technology that is in demand by young farmers. Apart from helping regenerate the agricultural sector, this activity can also improve farmers’ welfare.