Farmers’ Interest in Processing Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) in South Binjai, Binjai, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Sweet potato is one of the typical foods of the Indonesian people. In addition to its sweet taste, nutritional value, sweet potatoes are foods that are easy to process so they have the potential to increase added value through processed products. This study aims to analyze the interest of farmers and the factors that influence the interest of farmers in processing sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) in South Binjai District. This research was conducted from March to May 2021 in South Binjai District, Binjai City. The research method used was descriptive quantitative with Likert model scoring techniques and multiple linear analysis models. The results showed the interest of farmers in processing sweet potato very increase, influenced by the willingness, awareness, attention and feelings of pleasure can increase the interest of farmers in processing in sweet potatoes. Then T-test calculation shows the significance of farmers' interest in processing sweet potatoes, consist of education, experience, and capital. While the variables of income, community environment and marketing were not significant effect on farmers' interest in processing sweet potato in South Binjai District. So, which producers (farmers) and distributors can market their products properly, it must produce quality sweet potatoes that consumers like.