Chikkamagalur:  The Union Commerce Ministry has announced a significant boost for coffee growers with a grant of Rs. 307.80 crore.

This aid, channelled through the Coffee Board, aims to provide much-needed support to the coffee industry in the region. It will provide coffee planters with access to subsidies for plantation development.

According to Coffee Board President Dinesh Devabrinda, the grant has increased by 36 percent compared to the previous year. In 2022-23, Rs. 228.23 crore was allocated, while in 2023-24, the amount was raised to Rs. 307.80 crore.

Package highlights

Key highlights of the aid package include subsidies for machinery and infrastructure, an education fund for workers’ children and support for coffee community initiatives.

Dinesh Devabrinda said that the eligibility criteria for subsidies have been expanded, raising the limit from 10 hectares to 40 hectares.

Coffee planters can now receive subsidies for a range of purposes, including the development of drying yards, warehouses, pulper units and coffee bean drying machines. Additionally, subsidies are available for establishing open wells, constructing tanks, installing sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, and upgrading machinery in coffee curing units.

“Our goal is to support growers by providing subsidies to increase the quantity and quality of coffee produced,” he said.

Damage survey

In collaboration with the Revenue Department, the Coffee Board will conduct a survey to assess damage to coffee plantations, with compensation to be provided to those with damage exceeding 33 percent.

To improve education for the children of coffee plantation workers, the Government has allocated Rs. 4 crore for scholarships. Additionally, 17 committees have been formed following the recent coffee community meeting to explore ways to increase coffee production.