REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JEMBER -- The quality of tobacco grown in plantations in East Java is being affected by the volcanic ashes spewed by the erupting Mount Raung.

"Volcanic ashes from Mount Raung rained on most of the tobacco plantations (in the region), which has greatly affected the quality of the plant," Deputy Head of the Indonesian Tobacco Farmers Association Hendro Handoko said here on Monday.

Tobacco farmers in Jember had planted the crops in May and June, and volcanic ashes from Mount Raung have affected all 31 sub-districts in the region.

The ashes damage tobacco as they clog the pores on the leaves and stems of the plants, which reduces the quality.