Abstract: In order to improve the stability of moisture content in and the quality of dried cut tobacco, the control system in existing cylinder dryer was analyzed and modified. The necessary dehydration rate of tobacco was calculated on the basis of the mean moisture content in input tobacco. The instantaneous technological air volume was estimated against the dehydration rate of tobacco, accordingly pre-adjustment was made to achieve fast response to the fluctuation of moisture content in input tobacco. The results of application showed that after modification, the moisture content in dried tobacco was more stable, the standard deviation of moisture content decreased from 0.15 to less than 0.10, and the processing quality consistency of cut tobacco was improved.