THE IMPACT OF MIGRATION ON RICE FARMING TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN INDONESIA

This study investigates the impact of migration on rice farming Technical efficiency in the Rokan Hulu District Indonesia. It as a measure of rice farming performance and a way to raise productivity without an increase in the inputs used. We investigate and discuss the technical efficiency of migrants and indigenous farmers in terms of characteristics and socio-economic conditions. We argue that it contributes to the policy-making basis in increasing rural economic growth. Furthermore, existing research focuses on rural-urban migration. But, we rarely found the literature on reverse flows and its impact, especially staple food crops. The primary data were obtained from interviews and analyzed using one step stochastic frontier production function. The study shows that migration has a negative impact on technical efficiency and indigenous farmers are more technically efficient than migrant ones. The rice farmers are expected to increase their average technical efficiency level by 13%. To reach their potential production, the farmers must improve their labor management.