Constraints in the Implementation of Post-Harvest Management Practices among Organic Rice Farmers in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java

Abstract

Post-harvest management is critical to maintaining the quantity, quality, and market value of organic rice. However, organic rice farmers may face technical, economic, infrastructural, and environmental constraints that limit the effectiveness of post-harvest handling. This study aimed to identify and analyze the constraints organic rice farmers encounter when implementing post-harvest management practices in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. A quantitative field survey was conducted from June to July 2026, involving 101 organic rice farmers from six farmer groups in Mojogedang and Kerjo Districts. Respondents were selected using a snowball sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires with 12 dichotomous indicators representing constraints related to post-harvest information, equipment, pest occurrence, extension support, financial assistance, weather conditions, storage facilities, transportation, milling quality, pest-control practices, packaging technology, and product quality and marketability. Responses were recoded so that a score of 1 consistently represented the presence of a constraint and 0 its absence. The results showed that pest attacks were the most frequently reported constraint, experienced by 81% of respondents. Other major constraints included limited development and improvement of post-harvest equipment (77%), limited availability of vacuum packaging technology (73%), insufficient financial support (72%), and unfavorable weather conditions (51%). In contrast, constraints related to milling quality (2%), access to post-harvest information (8%), extension and mentoring support (8%), and storage facilities (10%) were reported by relatively fewer farmers. These findings indicate that the major challenges in organic rice post-harvest management are predominantly related to pest management, technological availability, financial capacity, and environmental conditions. Strengthening access to appropriate post-harvest technologies, financial support, and organic-compatible pest management strategies is therefore important to improve the efficiency and sustainability of organic rice post-harvest management.