Coffee Board has planned various schemes for farmers…Dr Jagadish
Coffee Board Chief Executive Officer and Secretary Dr KG Jagadish speaking during the 145th annual general meeting of the Coorg Planters’ Association (CPA) held at the Crystal Court auditoriumsaid that the Coffee Board has planned various schemes, including formation of community farming groups at the hobli-level, measures to improve quality, a two-year diploma course and training for cafe managers.
He further said thatgroups of 100 growers will be formed at the hobli-level, and samples of their coffee will be tested in laboratories. If the quality is found to be low, the Board will provide information to the growers through experts on what needs to be done to improve it. This will enable the coffee to fetch better prices in the international market, he added.
Dr Jagadish also stated that the Coffee Board will soon offer a two-year diploma course and provide training for estate supervisors and managerial positions. SSLC pass-outs can undergo this training and secure employment in coffee estates.
He further said that with the increasing number of coffee cafes, an estimated 3,000 new cafes are expected to open across the country in the next year, creating a demand for staff. While coffee production has increased this year, he expressed concern that the recent unseasonal rains might adversely affect the yield. He highlighted the immense potential for eco-friendly coffee tourism in Kodagu.
Dr Jagadish also pointed out that the shortage of workers is likely to increase in the future. Therefore, he recommended that every owner should mechanize at least 60% of their estate. Subject experts Dr Raja Vijay Kumar, British agricultural expert Mark Trisney and K Sudhindra provided various information to the growers through demonstrations related to coffee cultivation.
Speaking on the occasion Coorg Planters’ Association President A Nanda Belliappa said that the Association has provided timely information to the farmers. Concerns regarding numerous issues faced by the farmers have been raised with the government, he added.
Coorg Planters’ Association Secretary C K Belliyappa, vice-president A AChangappa and Karnataka Coffee Planters’ Association President K Rajeev were present on the occasion.
