“There is a high demand for Indian coffee in the global market” – Talur Kishore Kumar
The 72nd All India Cooperative Week, along with a special day dedicated to promoting digitalisation for enhanced efficiency, accountability and transparency, was inaugurated recently at the Peraje Primary Agriculture Cooperative Association Hall.
Speaking on the occasion, Talur Kishore Kumar, Member of the Coffee Board, highlighted the growing global demand for coffee and the government’s increasing encouragement for coffee cultivation. He urged farmers in Sampaje, Karike, Peraje and Chembu to expand coffee cultivation in their regions.
The event was held in association with the Karnataka State Cooperative Mahamandal, Kodagu District Cooperative Union, Kodagu District Cooperative Central Bank, the Cooperative Department, and the Peraje Primary Agriculture Cooperative Association.
Kishore Kumar noted that the government is providing subsidies and incentives for coffee production. India currently produces 3.60 lakh metric tons of coffee, of which 2.30 lakh metric tons are exported and 1.50 lakh metric tons consumed domestically. Karnataka contributes 60-65% of national production, with Kodagu accounting for 30-35%, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan producing 25-30%, while Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and the northeastern states together contribute 10-15%.
He added that coffee exports generate Rs15,000 crore in foreign exchange, which is projected to rise to ?50,000 crore by 2047, benefitting farmers. He stressed the need for low-cost, high-output cultivation, promoting drip irrigation and mixed cropping.
Kodandera P. Ganapathy, President of the Kodagu District Cooperative Central Bank, said the cooperative sector has grown significantly worldwide and emphasised strengthening cooperatives to improve farmer welfare. He highlighted Kodagu’s long cooperative history since 1905, noting that nine cooperative societies and two Dhavas Bhandara cooperative societies in the district are celebrating their centenary.
He recalled the efforts of senior citizens who established cooperative societies for coffee, cardamom, honey and orange, greatly improving farmer livelihoods. Ganapathy stressed that cooperative societies provide easy credit and should be utilised effectively.
Robin Devaiah, President of the Kodagu District Cooperative Union, described the cooperative movement’s 121-year history and acknowledged the contributions of Siddane Gowda Patil and local leaders. He reiterated the cooperative principle, “You for us, we for you”, and emphasised the need for fair prices, financial assistance, agricultural implements and continued strengthening of cooperatives. Nagesh Kundalpadi, President of the Peraje Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Society, spoke about the challenges posed by areca nut disease and stressed the need for mixed cropping. He urged transparency in cooperatives and encouraged farmers to benefit from the PM Vishwakarma Schem.
K. Manumutthappa, Director of the Kodagu District Cooperative Union, said that in the future, a significant share of business activities may be routed through cooperatives. Citing the success of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Yojana, he emphasised building local economic strength. He added that India is a global leader in milk production and should make similar progress in other sectors.
Hosur Satish Kumar, Director of the Kodagu District Cooperative Central Bank, pointed out the loopholes in cooperatives and urged corrective measures to drive development. He noted that cooperatives play a vital role in rural upliftment.
Shyamala, Director of the Kodagu District Cooperative Union, said the cooperative sector is vast and essential for rural development and self-reliance.
Several dignitaries including K.M. Thammaiah, V.K. Ajay Kumar, Ballaranda Mani Uthappa, S.R. Sunil Rao, M.T. Subbaiah, P.N. Chandraprakash, K.N. Satish, Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies H.D. Ravikumar, Vice President of Peraje PACS P. M. Ashok, and others were present.
Yogendra Nayak, CEO of the Kodagu District Cooperative Union, welcomed the gathering. Student Gautham offered prayers, and school students rendered Vande Mataram. Lokesh, CEO of Peraje PACS, proposed the vote of thanks.
As part of the Cooperative Week, a free health check-up camp was organised, and a sale fair of vegetables and household items was conducted by Sanjeevini Union members.
