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Mysuru: Despite coffee being the second largest traded commodity after petroleum, the issues faced by coffee growers, especially in Kodagu, the country’s largest coffee-producing district, remain neglected. In an effort to address these concerns, members of the Kodagu Samrakshana Vedike met with Lok Sabha MP from the Mysuru-Kodagu constituency, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, in Mysuru on Monday.
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the disparity in market prices for robusta coffee in Kodagu also known as Coorg, even when international market conditions are favourable. The local coffee planters have been deprived of fair market prices, a situation that has caused growing frustration among the growers.
Chottekmada Rajeev Bopaiah, President of the Kodagu Samrakshana Vedike, conveyed the concerns of coffee growers during a detailed discussion with Wadiyar. According to Bopaiah, Wadiyar assured the delegation that the issue would be escalated to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He also mentioned plans to arrange a meeting between the Union Commerce Minister and the Vedike delegation to work towards a lasting solution.
"Wadiyar has also promised to arrange a meeting with the Coffee Board to address the challenges faced by the coffee growers. Additionally, he committed to establishing a dedicated platform at the upcoming coffee conference in Bengaluru next month, where this issue can be discussed in detail," said Bopaiah.
Rising human-wildlife conflict
Another significant issue raised during the meeting was the ongoing Human-wildlife conflict in Kodagu, which poses a severe threat to the coffee industry. In response, Wadiyar informed the delegation that he had already consulted with the government on this matter. He assured the Vedike members that efforts would be made to expedite the implementation of solutions, such as the proposed 280 km railway barricade project aimed at reducing animal intrusions into coffee plantations.
The Vedike members also expressed concerns about the significant losses in coffee crops due to unseasonal rain. Wadiyar acknowledged the gravity of the situation and mentioned that a comprehensive survey of the crop damage had already been conducted. The delegation urged the MP to advocate for crop insurance tailored for coffee growers, with the government bearing the insurance premiums to safeguard the planters from such unforeseen losses.
The meeting saw the participation of several Vedike members, including Jammada Ganesh Ayyanna, Machamada Anish Madappa, Pandyanda Girish, Mallamada Prabhu Poonacha, Annira Harish Madappa, Ulluvangada Loith Thimmaiah, and Kechamada Vishwas. “The discussion was marked by a shared sense of urgency to address the pressing issues faced by coffee growers in Kodagu and to ensure that their livelihoods are protected amidst challenging circumstances,” Vedike members said.
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