Butiran Garam, Butiran Harapan: Potret Petani Garam Desa Sidomukti Brondong

Abstract

This study aims to identify and analyze the local potential of salt farmers in Sidomukti Village, Brondong District, Lamongan Regency, as well as to examine the challenges and obstacles they face in the production and marketing processes. As one of the salt production centers in East Java, the village has abundant natural resources in the form of approximately 15 hectares of salt ponds and traditional knowledge passed down since 1978. However, farmers’ productivity and welfare remain constrained by dependence on weather conditions, fluctuating selling prices, and reliance on middlemen. This research employs a qualitative method with data collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving local salt farmers, particularly Sudarno and Sukirno from Sidomukti Village. The findings reveal that the predominantly traditional production process makes salt harvests vulnerable to failure, especially during the rainy season. The quality of the salt produced also tends to be low due to the absence of post-harvest processing and the lack of a distinctive brand. As a solution, farmers have begun adopting plastic tarpaulins (geomembranes) in their production, yet further interventions are needed to strengthen farmers’ institutions through cooperatives, encourage the development of derivative products, and provide education on business management.