The Coffee Board of India has proposed the inclusion of coffee under the crop insurance scheme to support coffee growers across the country. Chairman MJ Dinesh revealed this during the 66th annual conference of the Karnataka Planters’ Association (KPA) held in Madikeri. The proposal has been sent to the commerce ministry, aiming to safeguard coffee farmers from financial losses due to crop failure and adverse weather conditions.
Boosting Coffee Consumption and Production
The Coffee Board is also strategizing to boost domestic coffee consumption. Chairman Dinesh highlighted plans to encourage women entrepreneurs to open coffee kiosks as part of these efforts. Currently, the average coffee consumption in India stands at just 23 cups per person annually, compared to the global average of 200 cups.
On the production front, the Board is working on increasing coffee yield to 1,343 kilograms per hectare. To support research and promotional activities, ₹10 crore has been allocated for enhancing the coffee sector’s competitiveness and market reach, both domestically and internationally.
Addressing Challenges in the Coffee Sector
United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI) president Abraham Mathew noted that Indian coffee has yet to gain significant traction in the global market. He assured that UPASI is actively working on solutions, particularly addressing the human-wildlife conflict that affects coffee-growing regions.
Advocacy for Growers
Madikeri MLA Manthar Gowda emphasized the issues faced by coffee farmers due to the SARFAESI Act (Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest). He also discussed the Kasturirangan report, stating that Kodagu district, already covered with 67% forest area, practices environmentally friendly coffee cultivation. Gowda has raised these concerns with Karnataka’s revenue minister, Krishna Byregowda, to advocate for the growers’ needs.
Conference Highlights
The conference was attended by hundreds of coffee growers from across Karnataka. KPA president Kallichanda Rajeev Ganapathi was present, along with several stakeholders in the coffee industry. The event featured stalls promoting coffee and its various byproducts, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing the coffee sector.
This annual gathering served as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and discuss the future of coffee cultivation and marketing, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities facing India’s coffee industry.
