Directing the Agropolitan Centers for Horticulture Crops in the Pekalongan District

Agropolitan development integrates agriculture with urban living in our evolving global landscape. The present study aims to identify the potential and challenges in agropolitan development and formulate strategies for establishing agropolitan centers. Focusing on the Pekalongan Regency in Indonesia, the Research offers recommendations for the raw material-producing villages and collection and processing sub-district. Key aspects include integrating infrastructure, technological and agricultural practices, and economic and social support to address issues and tap into the potential related to agropolitan development. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing challenges and taking advantage of opportunities to develop agropolitan centers in the Pekalongan Regency.


Introduction
Many regions in Indonesia increasingly aspire to become agropolitan centers [1].The agropolitan concept emerges as a promising approach for sustainable regional development, blending agricultural and urban elements to bridge the urban-rural divide [2,3].Agropolitan areas consist of one or more activity centers in rural areas as a system of agricultural production and natural resource management indicated by functional relations and spatial hierarchy of settlement and agribusiness systems [4].Implementing the agropolitan concept requires resources, including activity centers, regulations, agricultural commodities, infrastructures, human resources, and facilities [5].Despite the resources, challenges may halt agropolitan development [6].Local governments require information on potentials and problems related to existing resources to address challenges and further promote agropolitan development [7].
Performing a study in Pekalongan Regency, Putri & Kusuma [8] has identified villages with superior commodities and factors influencing the development of these villages as agropolitan centers.They are Legokkalong village in Karanganyar district, Rogoselo village in Doro sub-district, Tlogohendro village in Petungkriono sub-district, and Talun village in Talun sub-district, with a total area of 264.09 km 2 [8,9].Some superior commodities in the Agropolitan area include avocado, durian, pineapple, potatoes, cabbage, and tomatoes.Further, some factors that influence the development of the villages as agricultural centers development are storage warehouses, agricultural technologies, natural resources, road networks, farmer institutions, government support, and academic involvement [8].
IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1353/1/012007 2 A comprehensive understanding of the economic and social potential and problems in the Pekalongan Regency agropolitan area is critical in formulating development strategies [10].With a deep understanding of the economic and social potential in agropolitan areas, the government and other stakeholders can identify leading sectors and development opportunities that can be utilized to increase economic growth and community welfare [11], enabling the appropriate allocation of resources to address these problems and promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.The strategies can be adjusted to suit the needs and characteristics of agropolitan areas [12].The strategy can include infrastructure development, training, and education programs.
Continuing the study of Putri and Kusuma [8], the research aim is to formulate recommendations for establishing agropolitan centers in Pekalongan Regency.Despite the findings, Putri and Kusuma [8] have not discussed directions for developing Legokkalong, Rogoselo, Talun, and Tlogohendro villages as agropolitan centers.The recommendations are proposed based on the potential and problems of factors influencing agropolitan development.The present study findings can help to specify strategies to seize opportunities and address problems related to agropolitan development in the Pekalongan Regency.

Identifying potential and problems
Stakeholders, including officers from the Regional Development Planning Agency, Food Security and Agriculture Service Center, Academics (Pekalongan University), Agricultural Extension Centers, and farmers, were interviewed to identify potentials and problems related to agropolitan development.
Agropolitan potential refers to resources and opportunities that can be utilized to develop agropolitan areas [13].The potential involves various aspects, including natural resources, climate conditions, infrastructure, local knowledge, farmer expertise, market access, and government support.The potential is the basis for designing effective agropolitan development strategies [14].On the other hand, agropolitan development problems include obstacles and challenges that can hinder achieving the potential [15].Next, qualitative content analysis was employed to categorize the interview results into potentials and problems [16,17].The discussions focused on the raw material-producing villages and collecting and processing sub-district.

Formulating directions
Directions for developing agropolitan centers in Pekalongan Regency are formulated based on the potential and problems of factors influencing the agropolitan area development [18].Development directions are formulated simply and explicitly based on priorities that have the potential to have a significant positive impact on agropolitan development and problems that need to be addressed immediately.For example, if an area has great agricultural potential but is hampered by poor infrastructure access, then policy can focus on developing road and irrigation infrastructure.The directions are formulated for the Karanganyar District as a collection and processing center and for the villages of Legokkalong, Rogoselo, Talun, and Tlogohendro as raw material-producing centers.

Potential and problems 3.1.1. Infrastructure
Infrastructure plays a vital role in the sustainable development of agropolitan areas [4].Improving and developing existing infrastructure can positively impact agricultural productivity, product distribution, and the welfare of local communities.The agropolitan area in Pekalongan Regency has potential problems related to infrastructure.Kiosks selling agricultural equipment are necessary to give farmers access to production facilities such as fertilizer, seeds, pesticides, and machinery [19].The government can distribute fertilizer and pesticide subsidies to farmers through kiosks, strengthening the local agricultural sector.By having better access to agricultural equipment and inputs, farmers can increase their agricultural productivity [20].For example, modern agricultural machinery can increase efficiency in agricultural processes such as planting, tillage, and harvesting, thereby increasing production yields [21].Farm equipment kiosks provide products and can also be a source of information and education for farmers [21].They can provide training on best agricultural practices, the use of modern technology, and agricultural business management, increasing farmers' knowledge and skills in adopting technological innovations in agriculture.
Furthermore, storage warehouses are an urgent need [22].Farmers store production inputs and agricultural equipment in their homes or gardens.Warehouses can provide safe and optimal storage space for agricultural products and other goods related to agropolitan activities [23].Warehouses help maintain the quality and availability of raw materials and finished products, reduce the risk of damage or spoilage, and enable more efficient inventory management.Warehouses in agropolitan areas can stimulate the development of infrastructure and other supporting services, such as better transportation networks, access to electricity and clean water, and health and education services [24].
Water sources, through reservoirs and springs, are essential assets in agropolitan areas.In the study area, irrigation using sprinklers and pumps has benefited farmers, but the need for steps to maintain the sustainability of water sources must be considered.Water from reservoirs and springs can be used for agricultural irrigation, an essential element in increasing agricultural productivity [25].With adequate access to irrigation water, farmers can organize better planting patterns and extend the growing season, increasing food security and farmer income in agropolitan areas.
The road networks are essential factors in supporting distribution activities [26].Although most roads from raw material-producing villages to Karanganyar District are asphalted, several roads are damaged and need repair.Road maintenance and repair are vital to ensuring the smooth distribution of agricultural products.A good road network allows easy and fast access to and from agropolitan areas.Road networks ease the supply of agricultural products from farmers to local markets or regional or national distribution centers.Good accessibility also facilitates farmers' access to agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizer, and equipment.
Developing collecting markets is also essential, considering that no collecting markets exist in agropolitan areas [26].Gathering markets provide a platform for farmers to sell their crops directly to collectors or wholesalers.Collection markets allow farmers access to wider markets, both at the local, regional, and national levels.Collection market often drives innovation and improvements in product quality.Collectors or wholesalers tend to choose products that are high quality and meet certain standards, enabling farmers to improve their agricultural practices, including crop management, use of agricultural inputs, and marketing techniques, to meet market demand.
Clean water, electricity, and telecommunications networks are essential supporting factors.Clean water helps improve public health in agropolitan areas [27].Electricity allows using electronic devices that support agricultural activities and improve people's quality of life in agropolition areas [28].Telecommunication networks enable farmers in agropolitan areas to connect with potential buyers and traders in local, regional, and international markets [29], expanding market reach for local agricultural products and increasing farmers' income.Additionally, adequate clean water and electricity facilities support the development of clean, safe, and orderly local markets.

Technology and Agricultural Practices
Increasing technological mastery, structured agricultural training, and developing agricultural product processing skills can catalyze agropolitan development [29].Talun still relies on traditional farming methods with a hoe, without applying agricultural technology.With better mastery of technology, farmers can adopt modern agricultural techniques such as sophisticated agricultural equipment, efficient irrigation techniques, and sensor-based crop monitoring.Structured agricultural training helps farmers understand best agricultural practices and optimize crop yields.Structured agricultural training and the development of agricultural product processing skills can also increase the involvement of youth and younger generations in the agricultural sector.By involving the younger generation, innovations and technological updates needed to answer future agricultural challenges can be obtained.
Transportation is essential for agricultural supplies and products' distribution [30].In the study areas, motorbikes and pick-up cars are common choices for transportation.Motorbikes and pick-up cars allow farmers to transport their agricultural products from agricultural land to sales or distribution points [31].With these vehicles, farmers can quickly and efficiently transport their crops without relying on public transportation, which may not always be available [32].Operating motorbikes and pick-up cars are generally more affordable than large vehicles such as trucks, reducing transportation costs for farmers and allowing them to earn greater profits from selling their agricultural products [33].

Economic and Social Support
Economic and social support is critical to developing a sustainable agropolitan area [34].Superior commodities in the study area do not receive fertilizer subsidies, causing farmers to use non-subsidized fertilizers with significant price differences.Government support and implementation of agricultural economic development programs can motivate farmers to get involved in processing agricultural products.The support includes access to business capital, agricultural financing, entrepreneurship training, and other financial assistance for local farmers and entrepreneurs [35].Providing capital from financial institutions is also a supporting factor in supporting agricultural production and processing activities.With support from the government and agricultural economic programs, farmers have incentives to shift from simply farming to being involved in processing agricultural products, aiding in diversifying the economy of agropolitan areas, reducing dependence on conventional agriculture, and creating additional jobs in the processing sector.
Training is essential in improving farmer skills.Although agricultural training has focused on planting and seeding in raw material-producing villages, the frequency and topics of training are irregular and depend on the availability of resources.Currently, there is no training organized by the government and stakeholders regarding processing horticultural products.The working-age population can use Training in Karanganyar District to process agricultural products.Training on planting, maintaining, and harvesting horticultural crops is needed to increase the efficiency and quality of agricultural products [36].They can learn about best practices in using superior seeds, proper fertilization, pest and disease control, and efficient irrigation techniques, supporting increased agricultural productivity in agropolitan areas.Through training, farmers can learn about the diversification of agricultural businesses, including developing alternative commodities, raising livestock, fish farming, or organic farming.Diversifying agricultural businesses helps reduce the risk of crop failure due to weather factors or certain plant diseases and increases farmers' overall income.
Village Unit Cooperatives (KUD) needs to improve agricultural and marketing education to empower farmers [37].Cooperatives that provide financial support and marketing assistance are present in several villages, but many do not function effectively.Through education provided by KUD, farmers can develop the practical skills needed in various aspects of agriculture and marketing.They can learn about modern agricultural techniques, agricultural tools and machinery use, risk management, and marketing and branding techniques.
Identifying potential workers among the working-age population is essential in supporting processing industries in agropolitan areas [38].Currently, the study area has no processing industry, and the lack of labor to support agricultural processing is a challenge.Youth less interested in the agricultural sector is also a problem that needs to be addressed through agricultural outreach efforts involving them [39].By identifying potential job candidates among the working-age population, agropolitan areas can increase employment opportunities for residents.Processing industries in agropolitan areas can increase their productivity and production efficiency by having a qualified and skilled workforce.
The importance of educational, health, and social facilities in supporting people's lives in agropolitan areas cannot be ignored [40].The existence of good educational facilities helps increase access to education for children and teenagers in agropolitan areas, improving the quality of human resources and prepare future generations to face future challenges [41].Adequate health facilities enable easy access to quality health services, including health examinations, treatment, and medical care [42].Health facilities help improve public health, reduce disease and death rates, and improve society's well- being.Social facilities such as community activity centers, libraries, and places of worship play an important role in strengthening social and cultural networks in agropolitan areas.Social facilities create space for various community activities, exchange of knowledge and experience, and preservation and development of local culture [40].
Farmer groups and supporting institutions such as the Agricultural Extension Center and government support are essential in developing the agricultural sector [43].Farmer groups and supporting institutions help in empowering farmers [44].They can provide training, guidance, and technical support to farmers to improve their skills in various aspects of farming, such as land management, selecting appropriate crop varieties, safe use of fertilizers and pesticides, and sustainable farming practices.
The involvement of academics in farmer education is an additional factor that can significantly contribute to increasing efficiency and innovation in the agricultural sector [45].Academics brings extensive knowledge and skills in various aspects of agriculture, such as agricultural technology, natural resource management, plant breeding, and agricultural product processing techniques.The knowledge can be transferred to farmers through education programs, training, and workshops, helping to improve farmers' skills and knowledge in more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.Through agricultural Research, academics can develop innovative solutions based on scientific evidence to improve crop productivity, quality, and resilience.

Agropolitan Centers Development Directions 3.2.1. Directions for the Karanganyar District
Karanganyar sub-district is a hub for collecting and processing high-quality goods from villages that produce raw materials.Table 1 shows the direction for Karanganyar District as a Collection and Processing Center.The focus is on developing processing industries for superior horticultural commodities.The direction involves integrating warehouses and collection markets to sell horticultural products.Additionally, the use of information technology and the engagement of the working-age population in processing horticultural products are essential.

Directions for Raw Material Producing Villages
Directions for Raw Material Producing Villages are suggested based on observed potentials and problems.Table 2 shows the directions for Legokkalong, Rogoselo, Talun, and Tlogohendro villages.
Legokkalong Village is the primary source of raw materials in Karanganyar District, focusing on commodities like avocado and durian.The main goal for Legokkalong's development is to enhance the quality of farming roads by paving or casting them.Additionally, establishing a KUD (cooperative) is crucial to support horticultural cultivation activities in the village.
Next, Rogoselo is the primary village for producing raw materials in the Doro District.The main crops are avocado, durian, and pineapple.The focus is fixing agricultural road pavements and establishing a KUD as a financial institution supporting horticultural cultivation activities.
Next, Talun is the main village for raw material production in Talun District.In this district, three villages produce horticultural raw materials, with ginger and galangal being the main crops.The key goal is to improve agricultural practices, especially in land processing, and build farming roads 1-3 meters wide.The endeavors help farmers move quickly to and from their plantations, enhancing their mobility and overall efficiency.
Finally, Tlogohendro Village, located in Petungkriyono District, is the primary source of raw materials.The main agricultural products are Siamese oranges, potatoes, cabbage, and tomatoes.Improving road networks may streamline the transportation of agricultural goods, for example from Simego Village to Tlogohendro Village.Establishing a KUD also supports horticultural cultivation activities by addressing capital-related needs.x Infrastructure, including electricity and clean water networks, is in place to support processing activities.

IOP
x Currently no horticultural processing industry exists.
x All harvested produce is sold immediately in its raw form. x

Transportation
Maintaining the use of two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles to facilitate agricultural product transportation activities Natural resources Sustain horticultural plantations to ensure the quality and quantity of production.Growing ginger and galangal on different plots to enhance crop productivity.

Road network
Maintain roads for quality, comfort, and safety.

Village Unit
Cooperative (KUD) Establish KUDs to support agriculture, providing capital, production facilities, and marketing strategies to enhance agricultural quality.

Labor
Engage the younger generation in the Agropolitan Area of Pekalongan Regency to showcase modern agriculture's potential and ensure agricultural workers' continuity.

Institutional
Farmers' Institution) x Involve and support farmer groups in central villages producing raw materials to enhance their active role in promoting agricultural improvement.

Agricultural Extension Center
x Assign self-help instructors to each farmer group in raw material-producing villages.
x Empower self-help extension programs by providing necessary facilities and assistance in raw material-producing villages.

Government Support
x Provide subsidies for agricultural production facilities, such as fertilizers and pesticides, for superior horticultural commodities. x

Conclusion
The analysis concentrated on formulating recommendations for developing agropolitan centers.In the central collecting and processing sub-district of Karanganyar, there is a necessity to establish an integrated horticultural processing industry with dedicated warehousing facilities and markets for product sales.Moreover, leveraging information technology and engaging the working-age population is pivotal for fostering horticultural processing.In Legokkalong Village, the primary raw materialproducing zone, enhancing the quality of farming roads to paving/cast is imperative.The establishment of a KUD can bolster support for horticultural cultivation.In Rogoselo Village, repairing farming road pavement and establishing a KUD as a financial institution is essential for supporting horticultural activities.Talun Village requires agricultural technology for land processing and 1-3-meter-wide farming roads to facilitate farmer mobility.Tlogohendro Village necessitates repairs to Simego Street for streamlined distribution, complemented by establishing a KUD to support horticultural cultivation.Additional critical aspects influencing agropolitan development encompass heightened government support for storage facilities, loading/unloading areas, and fertilizer subsidy assistance for superior horticultural crops.Involving farmer groups in self-help extension programs to aid agricultural activities is paramount.In collaboration with academics, training on processing horticultural products for the working-age population in Karanganyar District is indispensable for the comprehensive development of agropolitan centers, encompassing both cultivation and processing activities and human resource considerations.
This Research provides an initial overview of various factors that influence the development of agropolitan areas in various villages, which can be developed into centers of agropolitan activities.This initial picture shows that local governments still face challenges in realizing regional development plans through agropolitan.For example, this Research shows that the application of the agropolitan concept as a direction for regional development is not based solely on the existence of superior sectors.Information regarding potential problems helps local governments to organize strategic plans for agropolitan development amidst limited access to resources.Factors that influence the development of agropolitan areas tend to be general.However, the potential and problems explored based on these factors and the resulting recommendations are specifically aimed at the research location.This Research also shows that regional development through the agropolitan concept must be comprehensively performed.Regional governments need to view agropolitan areas as a system comprising various subsystems.These sub-systems have various principles, processes, and activities that contribute significantly to sustainably adding value to the productivity of agropolitan areas.A top-down approach is ineffective without a bottom-up approach that seeks to capture the potential and overcome various problems in implementing the agropolitan concept at the local level.Although potential and problems tend to be discussed separately, this Research emphasizes that sustainable agropolitan areas can be realized if development is carried out in an integrated manner between influencing factors.For example, socialization, procurement, and training on using and maintaining appropriate technology must involve various related parties simultaneously.Agricultural kiosks can be used to sell local agricultural products and to socialize government programs and appropriate agricultural technology.

Table 1 .
Directions for Karanganyar District as a Collection and Processing Center

Table 2 .
Directions for Raw Material Producing Villages Assist in establishing supporting facilities for agropolitan areas, covering activities from cultivation to post-harvest Collaborate with the Faculty of Agriculture at Pekalongan University to contribute to developing agropolitan areas through research and farmer empowerment initiatives.