Category Archives: Business & Economy

Respite for Indian planters as EU grants time for EUDR compliance

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, World Opinion, , , , , , ,

Shade-grown coffee at a Coffee estate in Kodagu district (Coorg), Karnataka. File | Photo Credit: Murali Kumar K.

India’s major plantation sectors such as rubber and coffee have heaved a sigh of relief as the EU Parliament has voted in favour of a proposal by the European Commission to delay the implementation of EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) allowing growers, exporters and traders additional time for compliance.

Accordingly, large coffee operators and exporters must meet EUDR regulations by December 30, 2025, while micro and small growers and traders have time until June 30, 2026 to comply, as against the earlier EU set mandatory due diligence procedures and compliance deadline of December 2024.

Being EUDR-compliant indicates a grower’s forest-based coffee produce is legal, and not sourced from any deforested land or unethically cultivated.

Notably, over 70% of Indian coffees are sold in EU countries, and therefore the compliance extension has direct implications on coffee players in India, although India was one among the few countries which grew coffee under two tier thick shade of native trees, say industry players. “Our coffee estates, in addition to coffee and shade trees has diverse flora and fauna. So Indian coffees are most sustainably grown.

In spite of that India opposed EUDR since the compliance does not incentivise sustainably grown coffees,” Coffee Board of India CEO and secretary K.G. Jagadeesha told The Hindu. “Now given that EUDR is a regulation already passed by EU, we have no option but to comply as 70% of Indian coffee exported is going to EU. Coffee Board is developing a platform for assisting coffee producers in India to comply with EUDR. We also welcome the EU decision to extend the deadline,” he added. However, the Coffee Board CEO said EUDR compliance burden on planters and growers would be huge as it required technological and financial resources which won’t be compensated.

Expressing similar concerns K.G. Rajeev, chairman, Karnataka Planters’ Association which represent over 70% of coffee growers in the country, said, ‘‘There are challenges in mobilisation of resources to invest by small and medium sized holdings to be EUDR compliant. Also there are elements of ambiguity. Strict enforcement without clarity on methodology to be implemented may not have desired results. All these may have adverse impact on productivity and profitability of the industry.”

According to Mr. Rajeev, EUDR is a regulation with requirements for due diligence and traceability, which needs lot of data to demonstrate compliance both on ground and documentation. He insisted that Indian coffee couldn’t be compared with coffees in any other geographies as it was predominantly grown under shade.

Coffee activities also encouraged preservation of existing forests which in turn provided habitat for variety of wildlife, avian populations and thus promoted natural biodiversity, he argued. Instead of putting the onus of compliance only on growers, industry institutions and government bodies should help in establishing compliance of regulations, he opined, adding, eco-friendly practices with improved soil health and carbon sequestration aligns with EUDR focus of protection of biodiversity and ecosystem.

Postponement of the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation is expected to buoy up the international market for rubber and related products in the short term, said Santosh Kumar, chairman of the Rubber Committee of the United Planters’ Association of Southern India.

“There were ambiguities and concerns in the market. Now that the EUDR will be implemented from 2026, the international market will have a positive impact in the short term,” he said. According to Rubber Board Executive Director M. Vasanthagesan, with the postponement of the regulation by an year, there is more time to prepare the rubber sector. The measures will continue, he added.

The board has entered into an agreement with Hyderabad-based TRST01 as its technology partner to issue due diligence certificates to rubber exporters. “We recently held a stakeholders meeting and will start registering the exporters. We plan to do it in phases, starting with select districts in Kerala. The small-scale exporters will pay an user-fee and register,” he said.

Industry sources said that of the annual production of about 8.5 lakh tonnes of natural rubber, only 4,000 tonnes are exported directly. However, exporters of rubber products will have to source from the growers who are compliant with the EUDR and so the impact will be on the growers.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Business> Industry / by Mini Tejaswi & M Soundariya Preetha / November 17th, 2024

Coffee Board’s plans to enhance coffee bean quality revealed

Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

145th Annual General Meeting of the Coorg Planters’ Association held in Madikeri

Madikeri:

The Coffee Board has launched an ambitious initiative to elevate coffee quality across regions by forming community farmer groups at the hobli (village cluster) level. This initiative, announced by Coffee Board CEO and Secretary Dr. K.G. Jagadeesh during the 145th Annual General Meeting of the Coorg Planters’ Association in Madikeri recently, aims to gather insights into coffee quality and apply targeted improvements.

Dr. Jagadeesh highlighted that prioritising quality will ensure a robust future for Indian coffee. Under the initiative, community groups of 100 farmers will be established in each hobli, where collected coffee bean samples will undergo laboratory analysis to determine quality.

Should quality fall short, Coffee Board experts will provide growers with specific guidance on improvement measures, helping them achieve standards that could command higher prices in the international market.

In an effort to attract young talent to coffee farming, the Board also introduced a two-year Coffee Cultivation Diploma. Open to those who have completed the 10th Standard, the diploma programme offers formal training in cultivation and plantation management, addressing the current shortfall of trained supervisory and managerial staff in the industry.

Recognising the expanding demand for skilled café staff, the Board announced plans to offer Barista training for women, youth and enthusiasts. As an estimated 3,000 new coffee cafes are expected to open across India next year, this training will equip individuals to serve plantation visitors and tourists with high-quality coffee..

Tata Coffee Managing Director P.A. Mandanna stressed the importance of sustainable coffee farming, urging growers to embrace environmental, economic and social responsibility. He shared that Tata Coffee has implemented eco-friendly pulpers and rainwater harvesting systems across its estates, which has improved soil fertility and raised groundwater levels.

Experts, including Dr. Raja Vijay Kumar, British agricultural specialist Mark Trisney and K. Sudhindra offered practical demonstrations on various coffee cultivation techniques, providing valuable insights to growers.

Coorg Planters’ Association President A. Nanda Belliappa said that the Association continues to provide essential information to farmers and has actively raised their concerns with the Government.

Other prominent attendees included Association Secretary C.K. Belliappa, Vice-President A.A. Chengappa, Karnataka Coffee Planters’ Association President K.G. Rajeev Ganapathy, former Coffee Board Vice-Presidents N. Bose Mandanna and B.D. Manjunath, among other industry leaders.

The meeting also featured an exhibition and sale of agricultural equipment, drawing significant interest from participants.

This initiative marks a pivotal step by the Coffee Board and industry leaders in strengthening quality and sustainability in Indian coffee farming, aiming to bolster India’s position in the global coffee market.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 10th, 2024

Karnataka: Tourists flock to Kodagu during long weekend

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

With a string of holidays including Deepavali and Kannada Rajyotsava weekend, the tourist-favorite district of Kodagu has seen a massive influx of visitors.

With four consecutive holidays, including Naraka Chaturdasi, Kannada Rajyotsava, Balipadyami, and Sunday, lakhs of tourists have flocked to Kodagu. Tourist spots and religious sites are bustling with visitors and devotees, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the region.

Tourists have thronged Raja’s Seat, the popular hilltop spot in Madikeri, where visitors are enjoying the panoramic views. Other attractions like Abbey Falls, Dubare, and Nisargadhama are also seeing a surge in footfall. The recent holy occasion of Cauvery Theerthodbhava has further drawn thousands of pilgrims to Talacauvery and Bhagamandala.

Heavy traffic congestion has been reported at major tourist spots and religious centres, including Raja’s Seat, Abbey Falls, and Talacauvery, posing challenges for the police in ensuring smooth traffic flow.

The month-long Kiru Sankramana period after the Theerthodbhava is seen as an auspicious time for a holy dip in the Cauvery River at Talacauvery. Thousands of devotees, including those from other districts and states, are visiting the sacred spot. The ongoing holidays have further increased the number of visitors, causing some local concern over difficulties in performing rituals peacefully.

source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> Karnataka / by Vinaykumar Patil / November 03rd, 2024

Kodava Ain Mane established at Dakshinachitra Museum in Chennai

About Kodagu / Coorg, Architecture/Design, select houses( (wef.Oct 13th, 2024), Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , , , , , ,

The work for the Ain Mane at Dakshinachitra Museum began in June 2023 and the same is ready to be inaugurated today.

The Ain Mane established at the Dakshinachitra Museum in Chennai.(Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

The Kodava Ain Mane forms the epicenter of the culture of Kodava community. The Ain Mane aka ancestral house act as curators of the Kodava traditions and culture. With an aim to introduce these traditional edifices to the world, a model of the Ain Mane will now be inaugurated at the Dakshinachitra Museum in Chennai today.

Dakshinachitra is a cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyle, performing arts and craft. The museum is home to 18 traditional houses that depict the unique culture of South India. And as a 19th addition to the museum, a traditional Kodava Ain Mane has now been established at the center in Chennai and depicts the rich culture of the Kodava community.

“Our long search for an Ain Mane from Kodagu bore fruit in 2022. We acquired and dismantled the 1852 built Kodira family Ain Mane in Kodagu. The entire house was documented in detail and all the wooden elements were numbered, dismantled and transported to Dakshinachitra Museum in early 2023,” shared Rathi Vinay Jha, former secretary of the tourism department, member of the Sandooka Museum Trust and Life Trustee of Daskhinachitra Museum who headed the Kodava Ain Mane project. She was earlier involved in curating materials for the Sandooka Virtual Kodava museum.

The work for the Ain Mane at Dakshinachitra Museum began in June 2023 and the same is ready to be inaugurated today. The Ain Mane is lined with materials that exhibit the unique culture, traditions, rituals, folk culture, attire and cuisine of the Kodava community.

The project was supported by the CSR wing of Hyundai Motors and Mobis India Foundation. As confirmed by Rathi, a Kodava troupe from Kodagu will perform at Dakshinachitra today and tomorrow during the inaugural ceremony.

“The Dakshinachitra Museum managed by Madras Craft Foundation showcases ancestral homes from all the Southern States. The museum is 35 years old and they already have 18 such ancestral homes. The Kodava House will be the 19th such house. The Kodava house will showcase the culture and heritage of Kodavas and Kodagu,” she concluded. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Pragna GR / October 22nd, 2024

Karnataka Tourism Launches ‘Connect Kodagu’ to Showcase Sustainable Tourism in Madikeri

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , ,

The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has launched the ‘Connect Kodagu’ initiative in Madikeri, unveiling a comprehensive plan to elevate Kodagu as a prime example of sustainable tourism.

Through this initiative, KSTDC aims to promote eco-friendly travel practices, enhance visitor facilities, and preserve the natural beauty of the Kodagu district, a region renowned for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

The program gathered local tourism organizations and district officials to discuss actionable steps to ensure a responsible tourism approach that aligns with the needs of both the environment and the visitors.

Among the key measures discussed were upgrades to tourist amenities, tighter control over unauthorized wine production, and collaborative efforts with health and law enforcement agencies to ensure quality standards for local products. KSTDC’s vision is to build a cohesive tourism ecosystem where environmental stewardship is balanced with visitor satisfaction, creating a memorable and responsible experience for all who visit Kodagu.

Kodagu’s popularity as a destination for solo travelers and wellness enthusiasts has been steadily growing, thanks to its peaceful ambiance and potential for health-oriented tourism. To add cultural depth to visitors’ experiences, the initiative includes plans to convert historic local homes into unique lodging options, drawing inspiration from similar projects in North India. Infrastructure enhancements were also highlighted, with the proposed addition of essential facilities such as restrooms and small retail outlets at intervals along key highways to support visitor needs.

As part of its forward-looking strategy, KSTDC and the Kodagu administration are set to release a coffee table book showcasing the district’s many attractions, from scenic spots to cultural landmarks. Additionally, a tourism app is under development, designed to provide tourists with easy access to information on local sites, activities, and services. The initiative has already garnered strong backing from regional tourism associations, which view ‘Connect Kodagu’ as a landmark effort to position Kodagu as a sustainable and culturally enriching destination in India.

Through the ‘Connect Kodagu’ initiative, KSTDC is setting a precedent in the tourism industry by not only addressing current challenges but also proactively planning for the future. By focusing on environmental preservation, cultural authenticity, and infrastructure development, KSTDC aims to create a tourism model that other regions in India could follow. This program underscores the importance of sustainable tourism in fostering economic growth while protecting the region’s ecological and cultural wealth.

source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / Trave and Tour World / Home> India Travel News / October 29th, 2024

Atif Manna, Anitha nominated as Virajpet TMC Councillors

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

The Karnataka Government has ordered the nomination of representatives from newly added villages to the Virajpet Town Municipal Council (TMC).

The appointments are set to take immediate effect, with prominent names being included as additional members to the Municipal body.

Among those nominated as Councillors is Atif Manna, son of late Shahul Hameed Manna, a former Councillor of Virajpet Town Municipality. Another appointee is H.B. Anitha, wife of Ahmed Wahid.

Atif Manna, who belongs to the Nawayathi community, brings with him a rich political legacy. His family has played a vital role in Virajpet’s governance for decades.

The first Nawayathi Councillor and President of Virajpet Municipality was late Janab Maani Hussain Saheb Bahadur, who served as the President for 11 years. His contributions to the region were recognised by the Coorg Government, which honoured him with the title ‘Bahadur.’

The family’s political involvement spans generations. Atif Manna’s grandfather, Meera Manna, was a Councillor for three terms and once served as Vice-President of the Municipality. His father, Shahul Hameed Manna, served two terms — once through an election and once by nomination.

Continuing this lineage, Atif Manna has now been nominated as the Councillor to represent the newly expanded areas of Virajpet TMC.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 25th, 2024

Coffee prices to continue rising over the next two years: Experts

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), World Opinion

“Local markets are thriving with the growing demand and most of the farmers would be in a good position where they sell out every year and earn higher profits. They don’t have to sit on stock, they don’t have to wait for a trader to pick up any,” said Viggnesh V, a coffee industry consultant.

A worker selects arabica coffee beans at Conquista farm in Alfenas in the southern Brazilian city of Minas Gerais. Credit: Reuters photo

Bengaluru:

Extreme climate events leading to untimely rains, fires and droughts across South Asia and Latin America have fueled worries for the already surging coffee prices. This alongside Indian consumers’ rising preference towards coffee as a beverage has proven beneficial for the producers. 

“Local markets are thriving with the growing demand and most of the farmers would be in a good position where they sell out every year and earn higher profits. They don’t have to sit on stock, they don’t have to wait for a trader to pick up any,” said Viggnesh V, a coffee industry consultant. 

Prices will continue to rise in the foreseeable future, stakeholders and industry experts told DH. 

“It is most likely to plateau at max after two years because at the point when it crosses a particular set, it will become completely unaffordable for anyone in the value chain,” Viggnesh said. 

Coffee prices, mainly Arabica beans, have touched their highest prices in 13 years due to persistent supply disruptions. Prices are up roughly 40 per cent in 2024 as shortages of the cheaper robusta beans have evoked demand for the arabica variety favoured by specialty chains.

Global scenario

The rally in coffee prices has been gathering pace due to erratic climate in top producer Brazil. The sporadic rains and warmer temperatures have hurt the South American nation’s production.

Prices for the cheaper robusta variety, which is also produced by Brazil have also jumped. This, in turn, has left companies and consumers paying for pricier coffee, and retailers have been scrambling to secure beans.

Vietnam, the second largest producer of coffee is also facing excess rain coupled with farmers shifting to the production of Durian, a fruit widely popular in south Asia which is turning out to be more profitable than coffee. 

Indian market expected to grow

The two main varieties of coffee manufactured in India are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica has more demand than robusta coffee due to its mild aromatic flavour. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of India, about 70 per cent of the total coffee produced in India is exported. India ranks fifth in total coffee exports in the world.

Karnataka produces around 71 per cent of total coffee in India, a majority of which is Robusta. The rest of the production comes from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the northeastern region. India produced 3,74,200 metric tonnes (MTs) in 2023-24, out of which Karnataka contributed 2,66,885 MT. 

India’s coffee market was valued at $478 million in 2022 and is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2032 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.87 per cent during the forecast period 2024-2033, according to data by Custom Market Insights.

However, several challenges cloud the optimistic future of coffee producers, shortage of labour being one of them. “Almost 65 per cent of our total cost on an estate is labour cost, which has increased steadily over the past few years. 70 per cent of Brazilian coffee crop is done mechanically because their areas are flat, whereas ours are on slopes with coffee trees which makes us highly dependent on labour,” said Jacob Mammen, managing director of Badra Estates located in Chikkamagaluru.

Climate change has been another headwind for coffee producers and experts suggest that it is here to stay. Sudden rain spells have in fact damaged the coffee crops or contributed to low quality.

Some industry insiders say the impact is minimal for now. Suhas Dwarkanath of Benki Coffee said, “To be honest, there have been difficulties in terms of water, temperatures, but it has not affected production majorly because it is not something new.”

However, data by the Coffee Board of India shows a marginal decline in coffee production in India. India produced 3,74,200 MTs in 2023-24 against 3,52,000 MT in 2022-23.

“Now that the middle class is growing and disposable income is increasing, India will become one of the biggest consumers of coffee in the next 3-5 years and the transition can already be seen,” added Benki’s Dwarkanath. 

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Business / by Sonal Choudhary / October 21st, 2024

Indian coffee exports top ₹10,000 crore in FY24 on soaring robusta prices

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

Supply issues drive prices higher, shipment volumes drop marginally.

Thanks to the surging trend in global Robusta prices, India’s coffee exports for the financial year ending March 2024 touched a new high in value terms.

Despite a marginal decline in the volumes, shipments were at a new record. In fact, financial year 2023-24 was the third consecutive year during which Indian coffee shipments registered a new record.

In dollar terms, Indian coffee shipments registered an increase of 12.5 per cent to $1.26 billion over $1.12 billion in the 2022-23 fiscal. Similarly in the rupee terms, exports were up 16 per cent at ₹10,491 crore over  ₹9,033 crore.

In quantity terms, the exports saw a marginal decline of 2.5 per cent at 3.88 lakh tonnes over 3.98 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.

Supply issues

The global robusta prices are at a three-decade high on supply issues in the top producing countries such as Vietnam and Brazil. This has worked to the advantage of the Indian coffee sector, where robusta is the most widely-produced variety. As a result of high robusta prices, the per unit realisation for Indian exporters went up by about a fifth to ₹2.7 lakh per tonne during 2023-24 compared with ₹2.26 lakh in the previous financial year.

“A combination of factors such as the good market prices for Indian coffee, supply side disruptions in Brazil and Vietnam have helped push up the exports” said K G Jagadeesha, Secretary and CEO, Coffee Board. “Our export quantity in the last three years has increased principally from instant coffee,” he said.

India exports over about two-thirds of the around 3.5 lakh tonnes of coffee produced in the country. It also imports cheaper robusta coffee to re-export them after value addition.

Ramesh Rajah, President, Coffee Exporters Association, said, most of the increase in export value during financial year 2023-24 has come from the robustas. The demand is good and the shipments during the last two quarters of the financial year have been better than the earlier quarters.

Farmgate prices

Farmgate prices of robustas in India have overtaken the arabicas in the recent weeks, tracking the global uptrend. Robusta parchment prices are ruling at  ₹14,000-14,500 per 50 kg bag, while the robusta cherry, the widely-produced coffee variety in the country, is ruling at ₹8,500-8,950. Arabica cherry coffee is hovering around  ₹8,000-8,300 per bag, while Arabica parchment is ruling at around  ₹13,900-14,300.

In fact, Indian robusta parchment AB is commanding a premium of $700-750 a tonne over the London terminal prices, while the premiums for robusta cherry is hovering around $350-400 per tonne.

Italy, Germany, Russia and UAE are among the major destinations for the Indian coffees. For the crop year 2023-24 starting October, the Coffee Board, in its post-blossom estimates, has projected a crop size of 3.74 lakh tonnes over the previous year’s final estimates of 3.52 lakh tonnes.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line, The Hindu / Home> Economy> Agri Business / by Vishwanath Kulkarni / April 02nd, 2024

Anitha Nanda: The call of coffee

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Leaders, Pepper, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , ,

Anitha Nanda Appanervanda, a 61-year-old coffee farmer from Coorg, Karnataka, stands as a symbol of determination, sustainability, and empowerment. Over the course of her 22-year journey, Anitha has not only established a successful coffee farm but has also transformed the lives of hundreds of women in her community, fostering a culture of eco-friendly farming practices.

A passion for farming rooted in childhood

Born and raised in Bengaluru, Anitha’s passion for farming took root in her childhood. Every school vacation, she would visit her grandfather’s coffee estate in Coorg, a place that quickly became her second home. The vast expanse of coffee plants, the rich biodiversity, and the sense of peace found in the hills left an indelible mark on her young mind. “From those early days, I knew I wanted to return to the hills and be part of coffee farming,” she fondly recalls. This deep connection to the land paved the way for her lifelong dedication to sustainable agriculture.

Her dream started to take shape after she married Nanda Belliappa, a fellow coffee farmer from Coorg. Together, they took over the family-owned Surya Kiran Estate, where Anitha embarked on her mission to blend her passion for farming with eco-friendly practices.

Despite her enthusiasm, the road to success was not easy. In the early years, Anitha and her husband faced numerous challenges. Coffee farming requires patience, and the couple struggled to produce good harvests from their robusta coffee plants. “It took almost 10 years before we saw good yields,” she shares, highlighting the perseverance and dedication it took to build the farm.

Their breakthrough came when they adopted intercropping techniques, blending coffee cultivation with black pepper. This method not only boosted productivity but also contributed to a more sustainable farming system. Today, they cultivate 110 acres of robusta and 40 acres of arabica coffee, a testament to their hard work and commitment to innovation in farming.

Anitha’s approach to farming is deeply rooted in her desire to protect the environment. Situated in the biodiversity-rich region of Coorg, her coffee estate is more than just a farm – it is a sanctuary for wildlife. Her coffee plants grow under the protective canopy of rainforest trees, a practice known as shade-grown coffee farming. This method helps maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem, providing shelter for birds, insects, and other wildlife.

“We must protect this land from climate change and global warming,” she asserts, emphasising the role that sustainable practices play in preserving the environment for future generations. Anitha’s farm has been awarded Rainforest Alliance Certification, recognising her dedication to eco-friendly farming.

While she remains deeply connected to traditional farming methods, Anitha is not afraid to embrace modern technology when it benefits the farm. She uses machines for irrigation and weeding, which helps reduce labour and improve efficiency. However, the core of her farming philosophy remains grounded in traditional practices that have been passed down through generations.

Anitha’s success is not just about coffee. She has diversified her farm by growing black pepper and areca nuts, a strategy that has made her farm more resilient and sustainable. This diversification has allowed her to reduce dependency on a single crop and has opened up new streams of income for her family.

Empowering women and building a community

Anitha’s contributions go far beyond her own farm. As an active member of Biota Coffee FPC and the secretary of the Codagu Women’s Coffee Awareness Body (CWCAB), she has empowered around 400 women in her community. This group, which was founded in 2002 during a time when coffee prices were low, has provided women with the support they need to embrace eco-friendly farming practices and achieve fair prices for their crops.

For Anitha, farming is not just a livelihood – it’s a community effort. Through CWCAB, she has helped women coffee farmers promote sustainable farming and spread awareness about the benefits of coffee. Each year, on International Coffee Day, they celebrate by giving away free coffee to locals and tourists, a gesture that symbolises their pride in the hard work that goes into every cup.

Anitha’s dedication to sustainable farming has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR) for her pioneering work in intercropping black pepper with coffee. “It was a proud moment,” she recalls, noting that it validated the years of effort she had poured into her farm.

Despite her success, Anitha continues to innovate and learn. She has recently taken up beekeeping, recognising the crucial role bees play in pollination and the overall health of her farm. This new venture is another example of her commitment to maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

Coffee Farming: A source of Income and Sustainability

Sustainable farming has proven to be both environmentally and financially rewarding for Anitha. She cultivates robusta coffee, which has been particularly profitable in recent years. Producing around 19-20 bags per acre, she earns Rs. 10,000 per bag, while her arabica parchment fetches a higher price at Rs. 16,000 per bag. This strong financial return is a direct result of her commitment to eco-friendly practices.

While she does use some fertilisers, Anitha avoids harmful chemicals, focusing instead on maintaining native trees and enhancing soil health. Her approach blends the best of traditional and modern farming methods, ensuring that her land remains fertile and productive for generations to come.

A legacy of passion and purpose

Anitha Nanda’s journey from city life to becoming a successful coffee farmer in Coorg is a testament to her passion for the land and her determination to create a better future for her community. Through her sustainable farming practices, she has not only preserved Coorg’s rich biodiversity but has also empowered hundreds of women to take control of their livelihoods.

For Anitha, coffee is not just a crop – it’s a legacy, a connection to her roots, and a vision for a sustainable future. Her story is a powerful reminder that with hard work, care for the environment, and a strong community, anything is possible.

source: http://www.theorganicmagazine.com / The Organic Magazine / Home / by Tanishq Verma

Coffee Dasara in Madikeri: Growers made aware of changes in cultivation, facilities, finance

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Madikeri:

The first-ever ‘Coffee Dasara’ launched at Gandhi Maidan as part of the recently held Madikeri Dasara was a ground-breaking initiative to elevate the coffee industry and engage the farming community. This event raised awareness about the transformative changes in coffee cultivation and the various facilities available to growers.

Conceptualised by Dr. Manthar Gowda, MLA from Madikeri Constituency, the two-day event on Oct. 7 and 8 featured a diverse array of coffee enterprises and 34 departmental stalls, all dedicated to equipping growers in the district with essential information and resources.

Numerous organisations also participated, setting up stalls to offer supplementary materials and insights related to various agricultural products, including coffee, thereby fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation in the agricultural sector.

Inaugurating the Coffee Dasara, Agriculture Minister Cheluvarayaswamy affirmed the Government’s commitment to standing by farmers to ensure the comprehensive development of all agricultural activities, particularly coffee cultivation, which serves as the backbone of Kodagu’s economy.

He noted that coffee cultivation does not fall under the purview of the Agriculture Department or the State Government. In various regions of the State, paddy cultivation is widespread, supported by reservoirs. However, water availability often decreases as crops mature, leading to difficulties for farmers, he said.

“To tackle this issue, the State Government has decided to create farm ponds (krishi honda) in command areas, which will aid farmers during water shortage. The Government plans to grant permission for the construction of 250 farm ponds in Kodagu district,” he assured.

Escaping modernisation

As the chief guest, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao, stressed that no region can escape the wave of modernisation. He underscored the need for balanced development while maintaining cultural roots.

Emphasising the promotion of coffee cultivation and industry, he advocated for the establishment of local coffee brands and raising awareness about domestic coffee consumption.

Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna praised the focus on coffee cultivation during the Madikeri Dasara celebrations, expressing hope that importance of coffee would continue to be emphasised in future Dasara festivals, spreading its significance throughout State.

MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda highlighted the numerous challenges faced by coffee growers and called for support, urging Ministers not to permit the conversion of paddy fields into non-agricultural land to preserve Kodagu’s agricultural heritage.

South Indian filter coffee

Coffee Board Chairman Dinesh Devabrinda announced a plan ‘from farm to market,’ aimed at doubling coffee production over the next decade while maintaining quality.

He noted that the Government of India recognises the significance of coffee and has allocated Rs. 307 crore to the Coffee Board for the development of the coffee industry. Of this, Rs. 19 crore will be provided to coffee growers in Kodagu through various assistance schemes.

Currently, the average coffee consumption per Indian is 30 cups. If this figure can be increased to at least 60 cups, internal coffee consumption could rise from 2,50,000 tonnes to 3,50,000 tonnes, significantly benefiting farmers.

He emphasised that South Indian filter coffee is among the best globally, and the Coffee Board is actively working on initiatives to promote this filter coffee on a worldwide scale.

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkata Raja, Assistant Commissioner Vinayak Narwade, former MLC Veena Achaiah, Secretary of Karnataka Planters’ Association K. Rajiv Ganapathy, President of the Coorg Planters’ Association Nanda Belliappa, General Secretary of the Women’s Coffee Awareness Society Anita Nanda, Coffee Board Member Taluru Kishore Kumar, Coffee Board member, Kodagu Congress President Dharmaraj Uthappa, former President Vinod Shivappa, General Secretary of the Madikeri Dasara Committee B.Y. Rajesh Yellappa and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 16th, 2024