A Novel, Genetically Modified Seed Design for Increased Biofuel Production and Poverty Alleviation in Indonesia

Résumé En

Straddling the equator, Indonesia is a tropical country with a hot and humid climate and high temperatures in the 90s; its location and frequent rainfall make it conducive to the prolific growth of the tobacco plant. Indonesia is a major grower and exporter of tobacco and is home to the fifth-largest market for tobacco consumption in the world. Researchers estimate that Indonesia's population of 242 million consumes 182 billion cigarettes each year (Nichter, 2009). And, this consumption has increased rapidly over the years, largely due to the mechanization of the cigarette industry. Data reveals that 62% of men smoke in Indonesia (Nichter, 2009). Smoking is not common among women, but among men, it starts young and persists for the majority of their lifetime. Studies have shown that initiation begins early-over a quarter of urban and rural people start consuming tobacco at 10 years old (Zheng, 2011). This early exposure also leads to detrimental side effects, with tobacco-related mortality accounting for 10% of total deaths in Indonesia (Dasar, 2018).