Diversifying with Fruit Trees can Boost Kodagu Coffee Farmers' Income

BM Muralidhara, Fruit Scientist at the Central Horticultural Experiment Station Chettalli, suggested cultivating diverse fruit trees alongside coffee plantations as a solution.

Napoklu: Kodagu coffee, renowned for its quality, is seeing high global demand, but local farmers face challenges in achieving financial stability. BM Muralidhara, Scientist (Fruit Science), from the Central Horticultural Experiment Station Chettalli highlighted a solution: cultivating diverse fruit trees alongside coffee plantations.

Speaking at a training programme on "Best Agricultural Practices in Coffee Cultivation and Diversification with Fruit Crops" organised by the Kodava Samaja in Napoklu recently, Muralidhara emphasised the benefits of intercropping. “Fruits like butter fruit (avocado), rambutan, lychee, mangosteen, and oranges thrive in Kodagu’s climate and fetch good market prices. By integrating fruit trees, farmers can maintain biodiversity and enhance their financial security,” he explained.

Tribhuvan from the Kushalnagar LDCC company urged farmers to focus on producing high-quality coffee. “Excessive use of pesticides should be avoided, and soil testing should guide the application of fertilisers,” he said.

Meanwhile, coffee grower Mukkattira Vinay shed light on the challenges posed by climate change. “Though coffee prices are strong globally, farmers are grappling with reduced yields. Research and education on water retention techniques are essential to address these issues,” he noted.

The programme, attended by coffee growers and agricultural experts, offered practical insights into sustainable farming. Presiding over the event, Jaya Devaiah, a coffee estate owner from Nelaji village, underscored the importance of adopting innovative farming practices.

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