Developing sustainable production of patchouli oil in Kolaka, South East Sulawesi, Indonesia: a problem-solving approach

Abstract

Patchouli oil is an essential oil extracted from the patchouli plant (Pogostemon cablin Benth), widely cultivated by farmers in Kolaka District, South East Sulawesi Province, as intercrop or monoculture farming. This research aimed to search for probable solutions to the problems faced by farmers in developing sustainable patchouli oil production. The research was conducted in Kolaka, South East Sulawesi, in May-June 2021 using problem-solving approach. The snowball method was used to select the key informants consisting of farmers, distillers, and extension workers. The primary data was obtained through online interviews. The problems and probable solutions identified in the cultivation and distillation of patchouli consisted of the soil problems that could be overcome through the right and balanced fertilization; the scarcity of certified seed, the government should initiate the production; the synthetic chemical weed and disease control that can be replaced by application of mechanical weed and integrated disease control; and herbage immaturity by conducting gradual harvesting according to plant maturity and capacity of distillation equipment. It is suggested to utilize a stainless kettle in the distillation and farmers’ organizations can provide a soft loan when farmers need cash and the patchouli oil price is low to delay selling.