Drought causes tobacco crop failure

Sat, 08/23/2008 9:59 AM | The Archipelago

KEBUMEN, Central Java: Farmers are suffering millions of rupiah in losses as 143 hectares of tobacco crop in Kebumen regency, Central Java, could not be harvested due to severe drought.

"If there are any tobacco leaves to pick, their quality is poor so they'll fetch a lower price," said Karso, 45, a farmer from Clapar village, Karanggayam district, adding the prolonged dry season had shriveled the tobacco leaves.

He said under normal conditions farmers sell their tobacco leaves at about Rp 3,500 (38 US cents) per kilogram. "With these conditions, the price can drop to as low as Rp 1,500 or even Rp 1,000 a kilo."

Clapar village head Sukirno said Friday the drought affected farmers' crops here every year. "It's hard to find a solution. We do hope the administration will help us cope with the problem soon," he said. --JP

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