Implementation of Good Handling Practices (GHP) in the Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling of Na-Oogst Tobacco in Jember Regency

Abstract

Na-Oogst tobacco is a leading export commodity of Jember Regency used as raw material for international cigars. However, export performance has declined due to deteriorating quality, pest infestations, the dominance of filler products over wrapper products, and the suboptimal implementation of Good Handling Practices (GHP). This study aims to analyze the level of knowledge and implementation of GHP, as well as the factors influencing them, in Na-Oogst tobacco farming. The research was conducted in three production centers in Jember—namely, Ambulu, Rambipuji, and Tempurejo subdistricts—with a total of 45 respondents , farmers selected using proportionate random sampling. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, and were subsequently analyzed using a Likert scale and multiple linear regression.

The research results show that the level of GHP knowledge falls into the “very high” category with a score of 38.09 (84.64%), particularly in the aspects of understanding and post-harvest evaluation. The level of GHP implementation also falls into the “very high” category with a score of 67.87, specifically regarding activities related to harvest timing, curing, harvesting techniques, and fresh leaf sorting. Regression analysis indicates that all independent variables simultaneously influence GHP implementation, with two variables showing partial significance: farmer income and knowledge of harvesting and post-harvest practices. Increased income supports farmers’ ability to maintain cultivation and post-harvest standards, while technical knowledge determines the quality of GHP implementation. These results underscore the importance of strengthening farmers’ capacity to enhance the competitiveness of Na-Oogst tobacco in the international market.