Abstract

The tobacco sector has a strategic role in the Indonesian economy, including in Pamekasan Regency, as a producer of aromatic tobacco. However, cultivation practices that still rely on chemical pesticides harm the environment and health. Integrated Pest Control (PHT) was introduced as a sustainable solution, but the adoption rate is still low. This study aims to analyze the factors that affect the adoption of PHT Technology (T-PHT) in tobacco cultivation in Pamekasan. The study used a mixed-methods approach with a census sample of 50 farmers from two central sub-districts. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations, and then analyzed descriptively and inferentially by multiple linear regression. The results of the study identified barriers to adoption that are multidimensional, including technical, economic, socio-cultural, institutional, and external aspects. The characteristics of farmers are dominated by productive age (35–54 years), farming experience of more than 10 years, lower middle education, and small land ownership (<2 hectares). The regression results showed that simultaneously, age, education, experience, land area, and counseling factors had a significant effect on the adoption of T-PHT (F=18.147; p<0.05). Partially, the quality of extension was the dominant factor (β=0.368; p=0.002), followed by age (β=0.364; p=0.004) and farming experience (β=0.240; p=0.048). Formal education and land area have no significant effect. The regression model explains 63.6% of the variation in adoption. It was concluded that increasing the adoption of T-PHT requires an intensive, participatory, and contextual extension approach, utilizing the experience and local wisdom of farmers. Policy implications are directed at strengthening extension programs, ongoing mentoring, and support that reduces the perception of smallholder economic risks.