February 14, 2012
Indonesia
Nilam is an aromatic herb. As a cash crop it is well suited to Aceh’s climate, has a long track record with Acehnese growers and produces a high value essential oil when distilled.
Some decades ago, the Aceh region was responsible for contributing up to 70 % of the total amount of nilam oil produced in Indonesia. In recent years, the amount of nilam being produced by Aceh has dropped, and the amount of profit being made by growers in Aceh has reduced.
One of the challenges faced by patchouli growers in Aceh is the low quality of oil produced. Most growers across Aceh use traditional distillation units made of iron that produce patchouli oil through the consumption of wood. These traditional iron units produce a lower grade of patchouli oil. This low-quality oil cannot demand a premium price.
To help growers overcome the above challenge, CCR provided collection of farmer groups with rust-free stainless steel distillation units and organized a series of trainings in their usage. As a first step, CCR organized quality control training for cooperative board members and cooperative distillation staff. The cooperative got familiar with using laboratory equipment and were taught how to test their oil against the quality standard set in Indonesia, the Indonesia National Standard (SNI).
The training covered a variety of topics. Most importantly, members were taught how to measure the oils’ PA level. Patchouli oils’ quality is mainly measured by the level of patchoulol (patchouli alcohol or PA), which is the largest chemical component. CCR staff explained the technical specifics of patchoulol. The cooperative members then practiced via a series of tests how to measure it.
To help growers overcome the above challenge, CCR provided collection of farmer groups with rust-free stainless steel distillation units and organized a series of trainings in their usage. As a first step, CCR organized quality control training for cooperative board members and cooperative distillation staff. The cooperative got familiar with using laboratory equipment and were taught how to test their oil against the quality standard set in Indonesia, the Indonesia National Standard (SNI).
Cover photo: Participants learn how to measure Patchouli Alcohol (PA)
Written by: Isfani Yunus, CCR Communication Officer
