Kodagu Growers' Federation Urges Crop Damage Survey

A delegation from the Federation met with Raja at his office in Madikeri on Friday.

Madikeri: The Kodagu Growers' Federation has appealed to Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja to initiate an urgent survey to assess the extensive crop damage in the district. A delegation from the Federation met with Raja at his office in Madikeri on Friday, highlighting the significant losses faced by local farmers due to heavy rain this year.

During the meeting, Federation President Kechanda Kushalappa emphasized the severe impact of recent heavy rains on the coffee plantations and other crops "The farmers in our district have suffered substantial losses. We urge the government to step in and provide necessary compensation to those affected," Kushalappa said.

Kodagu, known as the coffee hub of Karnataka, is heavily dependent on coffee cultivation, with nearly 80% of the district's population involved in the industry. Each farmer typically produces between 50 to 500 bags of coffee annually, making it a critical source of economic and social stability in the region.

This year, however, the district has witnessed unusual weather patterns that have taken a toll on the coffee crops. The region has already recorded an average rainfall of 50 to 60 inches, causing various issues such as uneven berry development, premature berry drop, and the spread of the fungal disease known as "Koleroga." The unseasonal rainfall during the early summer months, continuous cloudy weather, and intermittent showers in June, followed by heavy downpours in the past two weeks, have created an environment conducive to the proliferation of this pathogen, leading to significant crop losses.

Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja assured the delegation that steps would be taken to conduct a thorough survey of the crop damage. "We understand the plight of the farmers, and appropriate action will be taken to assess the losses and provide the necessary support," Raja stated.

The survey is expected to provide crucial data that will help the government decide on compensation measures, bringing much-needed relief to the farmers of Kodagu also known as Coorg. 

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