In pursuit of bolstering its export production for a key commodity, PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) is set to increase its tobacco cultivation area to 750 hectares this year. The expansion initiative will be spearheaded by PTPN I Regional 4 across the Ajong Gayasan, Kertosari, and Klaten plantations.

This expansion, amounting to a substantial 75-hectare increase compared to last year's projections, underscores PTPN's commitment to enhancing its tobacco cultivation efforts. Previously, the tobacco cultivation area under PTPN I Regional 4 stood at 665 hectares.

Aiming for an ambitious surge in export production, PTPN targets a 13 percent increase, reaching 1,033 tons compared to the previous year's forecast.

"For the production of natural wrapper, our target this year is 32.1 percent. This represents a sheet of tobacco with top-grade quality," Subagiyo, Regional Head of PTPN I Regional 4, said in a media statement quoted on Sunday, February 11, 2024.

Apart from the expansion of cultivation areas, PTPN I Regional 4 has implemented various strategies to meet the export production targets. These include accelerating the provision of materials and goods necessary for production facilities, supported by the required infrastructure in drying warehouses.

Additionally, intensive plant protection measures will be employed to safeguard against pest attacks. Adjustments to planting and harvesting patterns will optimize drying warehouse capacity while maximizing monitoring efforts.

Subagiyo added that the management of PTPN I Regional 4 would conduct joint pre-inspection activities to monitor the processing of tobacco. This proactive approach aims to minimize the occurrence of rework and rejections by buyers.

It's worth noting that the majority of the tobacco cultivated is of export quality, meeting the demands of the cigar market. PTPN I Regional 4 directly sells the produced tobacco to cigar manufacturers, bypassing intermediaries such as traders.

The cultivated tobacco varieties include Tobacco under Shade (TBN), Voorstenlanden under Shade (VBN), Connecticut/FIK variety, Sumatra/FIN variety with NW quality level, Light Painting Wrapper (LPW), Ready for Use (RFU), and filler.

The planned expansion and strategic measures signify PTPN's dedication to quality and productivity, contributing to the growth of Indonesia's agricultural sector.