Tobacco farmers in Jember, East Java, say buyers are scarce for a crop coated by volcanic ash by the eruption of Mt Raung, the Jakarta Post said.

Thousands of farmers reportedly suffered crop damage. Growers have asked the government for assistance to cover next year’s production costs, the newspaper said on its website. Several eruptions of Mt Raung, located on the borders of Jember, Bondowoso and Banyuwangi regencies, occurred between early July and late August.