The Use of Biostimulants in Javanese Turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) Cultivation to Increase Production Competitiveness

The objective of the research is to increase the productivity and quality of javanese turmeric. The research is a descriptive analytic by using information and data from senior agricultural experts and scientific publications. The agribusiness of javanese turmeric has bright prospects, but there is still problem where javanese turmeric cultivated traditionally so the average productivity and quality is low. According to the regulation from Agency of Food and Drug Supervisory, the production of medicinal plant is required to be high quality to ensure the efficacy and safety of medicinal herb. The efforts to increase productivity and quality in the cultivation of javanese turmeric can be done through the combination of using biostimulant and the application of Good Agriculture Practice (GAP). The use of biostimulant will provide more available nutrients for plant growth, increase plant protection from pathogen, and increase soil water holding capacity where it will lead to increase productivity. The combination of using biostimulant and application of GAP will lead to increase productivity and quality of javanese turmeric production where it can meet the requirement of modern medicinal herb industry. Furthermore, it is expected to increase the competitiveness of production, increase farmer income, and lead to develop farmer economy.