Mysore/Mysuru:  The Kodagu Samrakshana Vedike raised serious concerns about the Robusta coffee growers being deprived of fair market prices, aligning with international standards.

The Vedike members called on Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and Pramoda Devi Wadiyar in Mysuru yesterday and discussed the pressing challenges faced by coffee growers in the region.

The delegation highlighted the disparity in market prices for robusta coffee in Kodagu, 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.

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, they said.

In response, a detailed discussion was held, leading to a decision to escalate the issue to the Union Minister of Commerce. According to Vedike President Chottekmada Rajeev Bopaiah, Yaduveer 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.

Human-animal 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 track barricade project aimed at reducing animal intrusions into coffee plantations.

Regarding the severe crop losses due to heavy rains, the MP acknowledged the significant damage this season and informed that a crop damage survey is already underway.

Crop insurance

The Vedike also pushed for the implementation of crop insurance for coffee, highlighting that despite being a major foreign exchange earner, coffee lacks insurance coverage. The MP promised to raise this issue at the upcoming coffee conference in Bengaluru, where a separate forum will be established to find solutions.

Vedike members including Jammada Ganesh Ayyanna, Machamada Anish Madappa, Pandyanda Girish, Mallamada Prabhu Poonacha, Annira Harish Madappa, Ulluvangada Loith Thimmaiah and Kechamada Vishwas were present.