Quality Testing From Tobacco (nicotiana Tabacum L.) In Accordance With The Applicable Parameters

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Introduction

Tobacco (Nicotiana Tabacum L.) is a plant that has a high economic value, widely used as raw material for cigarettes, cosmetics, and medicines. In Indonesia, tobacco is one of the leading commodities with a contribution of around 1,500 tons per year or around 2.3% of world tobacco production. In this context, it is essential to test the quality of tobacco circulating in the market to be in accordance with established standards, namely the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). This study aims to analyze whether the quality of tobacco tested meets SNI requirements.

Background of the Study

Tobacco is a significant crop in Indonesia, and its quality is crucial to ensure that it meets the standards set by the Indonesian government. The Indonesian National Standard (SNI) is a set of standards that regulate the quality of various products, including tobacco. SNI 0612-1989-A is a standard that sets the criteria for the quality of tobacco, including odors, water content, ash content, nitrogen content, protein content, and nicotine levels. In this study, tobacco samples are taken from the Simpang Limun Market, Medan, and testing is carried out in accordance with the procedures listed in SNI 0612-1989-A.

Methodology

This study uses a qualitative approach to analyze the quality of tobacco. The data collection method involves taking tobacco samples from the Simpang Limun Market, Medan, and conducting testing in accordance with the procedures listed in SNI 0612-1989-A. The parameters tested include odors, water content, ash content, nitrogen content, protein content, and nicotine levels. The test results are then compared with the criteria set by SNI 0612-1989-A to determine whether the tobacco meets the required standards.

Results

The test results show that the tobacco tested did not have a musty odor and was not covered, and the water content value was 17.9888%. Ash content reaches 16.3%, nitrogen levels 2.4%, protein content 0.06115%, and nicotine levels 1.4%. According to SNI 0612-1989-A, the criteria set are: tobacco must not smell ugly and not covered, water content between 13-20%, maximum ash content, maximum nitrogen content of 4%, maximum protein content of 8%, and content nicotine in a range of 1-3%.

Discussion

Based on the results of the analysis, the tobacco tested in this study fulfilled most of the requirements set in SNI 0612-1989-A. The physical condition of tobacco is good, as well as water content and other chemical content shows a decent quality to be marketed. However, ash content is close to the specified maximum limit, so it needs to be a concern to maintain the quality of the product in the future.

Conclusion

Overall, this tobacco quality testing is very important to maintain quality standards in the Indonesian tobacco industry. With research and testing that meets standards, it is expected to provide guarantees to consumers regarding the safety and quality of tobacco they consume. In the future, further research can be done to explore more about the influence of other variables that can affect the quality of tobacco, including the cultivation method and the post-harvest process.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • The tobacco industry in Indonesia should prioritize quality testing to ensure that the tobacco products meet the required standards.
  • Further research should be conducted to explore the influence of other variables that can affect the quality of tobacco, including the cultivation method and the post-harvest process.
  • The Indonesian government should continue to develop and update the standards for tobacco quality to ensure that they meet the changing needs of the industry and consumers.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

  • The sample size is limited to tobacco samples taken from the Simpang Limun Market, Medan.
  • The study only focuses on the quality of tobacco and does not consider other factors that can affect the quality of tobacco products, such as the cultivation method and the post-harvest process.
  • The study only uses a qualitative approach and does not consider the quantitative aspects of tobacco quality.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on exploring the influence of other variables that can affect the quality of tobacco, including the cultivation method and the post-harvest process. Additionally, further research should be conducted to develop and update the standards for tobacco quality to ensure that they meet the changing needs of the industry and consumers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of quality testing in the Indonesian tobacco industry. The results of this study show that the tobacco tested in this study fulfilled most of the requirements set in SNI 0612-1989-A. However, ash content is close to the specified maximum limit, so it needs to be a concern to maintain the quality of the product in the future. Further research should be conducted to explore more about the influence of other variables that can affect the quality of tobacco, including the cultivation method and the post-harvest process.

Q: What is tobacco quality testing?

A: Tobacco quality testing is a process of evaluating the quality of tobacco products to ensure that they meet the required standards. This includes testing for parameters such as odors, water content, ash content, nitrogen content, protein content, and nicotine levels.

Q: Why is tobacco quality testing important?

A: Tobacco quality testing is important to ensure that tobacco products meet the required standards and are safe for consumption. It also helps to maintain the quality of tobacco products and provides guarantees to consumers regarding the safety and quality of tobacco they consume.

Q: What are the parameters tested in tobacco quality testing?

A: The parameters tested in tobacco quality testing include odors, water content, ash content, nitrogen content, protein content, and nicotine levels.

Q: What is the significance of SNI 0612-1989-A in tobacco quality testing?

A: SNI 0612-1989-A is a standard that sets the criteria for the quality of tobacco. It provides a framework for evaluating the quality of tobacco products and ensures that they meet the required standards.

Q: What are the criteria set by SNI 0612-1989-A for tobacco quality?

A: The criteria set by SNI 0612-1989-A for tobacco quality include:

  • Tobacco must not smell ugly and not covered
  • Water content between 13-20%
  • Maximum ash content
  • Maximum nitrogen content of 4%
  • Maximum protein content of 8%
  • Content nicotine in a range of 1-3%

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include:

  • The sample size is limited to tobacco samples taken from the Simpang Limun Market, Medan.
  • The study only focuses on the quality of tobacco and does not consider other factors that can affect the quality of tobacco products, such as the cultivation method and the post-harvest process.
  • The study only uses a qualitative approach and does not consider the quantitative aspects of tobacco quality.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study include:

  • The tobacco industry in Indonesia should prioritize quality testing to ensure that the tobacco products meet the required standards.
  • Further research should be conducted to explore the influence of other variables that can affect the quality of tobacco, including the cultivation method and the post-harvest process.
  • The Indonesian government should continue to develop and update the standards for tobacco quality to ensure that they meet the changing needs of the industry and consumers.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should focus on exploring the influence of other variables that can affect the quality of tobacco, including the cultivation method and the post-harvest process. Additionally, further research should be conducted to develop and update the standards for tobacco quality to ensure that they meet the changing needs of the industry and consumers.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that tobacco quality testing is a crucial process in maintaining the quality of tobacco products and providing guarantees to consumers regarding the safety and quality of tobacco they consume. It also highlights the importance of further research in exploring the influence of other variables that can affect the quality of tobacco.