By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
The second edition of the Coffee Dasara, held in Madikeri on Wednesday, provided a platform for stakeholders in the business to discuss issues plaguing the trade.
A total of 45 stalls showcasing varieties of coffee were put up. The event was inaugurated by MLA for Madikeri Manthar Gowda, who said that although coffee fetches a good price in the market, its growers have to deal with myriad challenges. Coffee growers must join hands in order to resolve these obstacles, Mr. Gowda added.
The Coffee Dasara was jointly organised by the Madikeri Dasara Committee, Madikeri Dasara Cultural Committee, and the Coorg Planters’ Association.
The MLA said coffee cultivation and production has a 250 to 300-year history in India, but growers face issues like shortage of labour, and are also being affected by vagaries of nature in recent years, including climate change.
Mr. Gowda pointed out that Kodagu was the largest producer of coffee in Karnataka and it should retain that position, for which the stakeholders should unite to resolve plaguing issues. “Growers should come together to discuss production, marketing, and other challenges,” he added.
Apart from the installation of 45 stalls, authorities also arranged for culinary delights for the visitors. The event drew a good response from the public.
Dinesh Devavrinda, chairman of the Indian Coffee Board, said that coffee should be covered by crop insurance like betel nut and pepper, so as to help growers withstand losses arising due to various factors.
Mr. Devavrinda stated that apart from Kodagu, which accounted for 75% of coffee production in the State, districts of Hassan and Chikkamagaluru also had significant coffee growers, and pointed out that coffee was deeply integrated with the life of the local communities.
Calling for serious discussions on solving growers’ problems, Mr. Devavrinda suggested to find solutions through such deliberations. He also urged the growers to make use of opportunities provided by the global market.
Mr. Devavrinda also advised the growers to adapt to changes in cultivation and sought the support of both the Centre and the State in furthering the interests of the coffee cultivators.
He said the target is to produce 7 lakh tonnes of coffee by 2047, earn foreign exchange, expand the market, and create facilities for the benefit of the growers. “India must develop its coffee sector by adapting to innovations, though current production is still lower compared to Vietnam and Brazil,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja said the district administration will act as a bridge to resolve growers’ issues, while safeguarding the interests of farmers and the public.
Resource persons and experts spoke on various issues related to quality control in coffee cultivation and production, shared insights on new varieties, soil fertility issues, etc.
The organisers also felicitated a few progressive coffee growers on the occasion.
