Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and Virajpet MLA A. S. Ponnanna called upon the coffee-growing community to protect Kodagu’s coffee brand, which is globally known for its natural beauty and rich flavor.
Inaugurating the 146th Annual General Meeting of the Coorg Planters Association at the Evolve Back Resort near Siddapur, he said that coffee cultivation is not merely an occupation but a cultural heritage passed down by previous generations. He urged the community to preserve Kodagu’s pristine environment and coffee traditions as a tribute to the hard work and legacy of their forefathers.
Ponnanna noted that the coffee industry is facing numerous challenges due to changing times and called for collective efforts through Coorg Planters Association projects to ensure sustained progress.
He also referred to the Swachha Kodagu – Sundara Kodagu campaign launched by the Coorg Hotel and Resort Association and stressed the need for the farming community to actively contribute to maintaining a plastic-free and clean environment. He remarked that waste disposal should follow scientific methods and said that blaming tourists alone for pollution is unfair, as local residents also share responsibility for littering.
Ponnanna informed that a third meeting convened by the Revenue Minister on November 10 would discuss Kodagu’s garbage issue, and a decision would be taken to introduce an amendment bill in the Assembly session beginning December 8. He reaffirmed his and Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda’s commitment to the welfare of Kodagu’s farmers.
Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda stated that adverse weather conditions have seriously affected coffee cultivation, with rains that began in May expected to continue till December. He assured that the damaged roads in Kodagu would be repaired at an estimated cost of Rs. 200 crore once the rains subside.
He said the government is making sincere efforts to resolve issues such as C&D land disputes, human-elephant conflicts, and revenue concerns. Although coffee growers received favorable prices this year, challenges like labor shortage, berry borer infestation, and high maintenance costs persist. Despite extensive damage to coffee estates due to unseasonal rains, Dr. Gowda encouraged farmers not to lose hope and to work together to overcome difficulties.
He added that the government plans to improve road connectivity between Kushalnagar and Mangalore Port to facilitate better transportation of coffee.
Coorg Planters Association President A. Nanda Belliappa said the association, recognized as India’s oldest farmers’ organization, will complete 150 years in four years. Built on the efforts of senior growers, the association continues to progress under their guidance.
He said the association is in discussion with the government on several issues, including tree ownership rights, mortgage records, RTC corrections, C&D land matters, electricity supply, elephant conflicts, and compensation for rain damage. He also expressed happiness that the association supported the Coffee Dasara celebrations in Madikeri to highlight the significance of coffee in the national festival.
To promote Kodagu’s coffee, Dr. Manthar Gowda suggested increasing coffee consumption at public programs and encouraging residents to consume more coffee at home. He said that every Kodagu citizen should contribute to enhancing domestic coffee consumption. The growing café culture, especially among youth in Kodagu, is a positive development, he added.
Cheppudira Arun Machayya, appointed Vice President of the Karnataka Sports Authority, Pragati Pari Black Pepper Grower K. M. Kantharaju, Pragati Pari Farmer K. M. Thimmaiah, and Orange County Resort and Hotel Ltd. President T. Ramapuram were honored at the event along with MLAs A. S. Ponnanna and Dr. Manthar Gowda by the Coorg Planters Association.
Dr. John Manuraj S., Member of the Indian Institute of Plantation Management, participated in the meeting. Vice President A. A. Chengappa proposed the vote of thanks, while M. C. Cariappa delivered a presentation. Executive members C. K. Bellyappa and Saraswati, spokesperson K. K. Vishwanath, and other prominent figures including Teethira Dharmja Uthappa, K. P. Uthappa, Bose Mandanna, N. U. Appaiah, P. S. Ganapathy, Govindappa Jayaram, Tara Ayyamma, Salman Bashir, K. Rajiv, and Jyothika Bopanna attended the event.
