Taro agribusiness development in Banten, Indonesia

Banten – Taro Beneng is a local tuber typical of Banten which is widely used as a basic ingredient for making cosmetics, as well as various processed food products. In addition, Talas Beneng leaves are also used as raw material for cigarettes to replace tobacco that does not contain nicotine. This taro is one of the food crop commodities that are included in the type of tubers. Taro Beneng cultivation is quite easy and grows wild in several areas of Banten Province. However, the demand is high, so currently many Taro Beneng are cultivating it. Currently, the effective land for the development of taro beneng is spread in several areas, including Pandeglang district. The new effective planting area is about 200 ha and only able to supply 16 tons of fresh raw materials. This condition is still very far from the demand that is quite large, such as Australia's demand of up to 200 tons. Such conditions become potentials and opportunities for the development of taro beneng both in the ...