Understanding environmental and social efficiencies in Indonesian rice production

Intensive agricultural productions worldwide are associated with significant use of inputs that are detrimental to the environment. Indonesia is no exception. Its use of agrochemicals in rice production has increased considerably since the early 1970s, particularly in irrigated rice production areas, and has been claimed to cause significant environmental destruction. This study aims to examine rice agriculture efficiencies related to the use of agrochemicals at the farm level in Indonesia. The measures cover environmental and social efficiencies. The results indicate that in general rice production in Indonesia has a low environmental efficiency, leading to chemical wastes. Rice farmers in Java tend to be more efficient than those in other areas. Large-scale farms tend to waste more than small-scale farms. Not taking into account the environmental costs of chemical pollution exacerbates the overuse of chemicals and reduces the utilisation of other inputs. Limited land availability and the need to absorb abundant rural labour have been the main constraints on Indonesian rice farmers aiming to be socially efficient.