Peluang Pengembangan Agave Sebagai Sumber Serat Alam

Abstract

Prospect of Agave Development as A Source of Natural FiberAgave is a prospective natural fiber-producing crop with superior fiber strength, resistant to high salinity, can be renewable, and environmentally friendly. Agave natural fiber is widely used among others in household industry, interior materials and rigging. The world production of agave fiber had reached 300,000 tons produced by Brazil, China, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagaskar, Indonesia, and Thailand. Agave was first introduced to Indonesia in the early 19th century that is before the World War II. In 1939, one of the big estates in Indonesia planted 10,000 acres of agave with fiber production of 23,000 tons, and Indonesia had produced agave fiber as much as 80,000 tons. However, in the further development the cultivation of agave was declined. In 2007, the International demand of agave fiber was 319,000 tons; nevertheless, the fiber production was only reached 281,800 tons, so still shortages of 37,200 tons. In 2006-2009, the domestic demand of agave fiber reached 1,982 tons/year; most of 1,340 tons were supplied from abroad, the rest (642 tons) was supplied from the country. One of the constraints in the national development of agave fiber was the low of price. The domestic price of agave fiber was only Rp. 5,000/kg compared to the price of fiber import (Rp. 9, 000,-/kg). In fact, technological input to improve the fiber industry of agave was quite sufficient, if this crop is cultivated with existing technology input; thus, the agave farming system provides significant benefit with the B/C ratio of 1:29. Hence, the domestic development of agave is still prospective especially in areas that traditionally had developed agave as in East Java that has suitable agro-climate, soil fertility, and soil type such as in Pamekasan, Sumenep, Sampang, Banyuwangi, Jember, Lumajang, Malang, Blitar, Tulungagung, Trenggalek, Pacitan, Ngawi, Tuban, Bojonegoro, and Lamongan districts