Coffee Board Pushes for Crop Insurance and Internal Consumption at Planters' Meet in Madikeri

Plans are also underway to support women coffee entrepreneurs in opening coffee kiosks nationwide.

Madikeri: The Coffee Board of India has proposed the inclusion of coffee under the crop insurance scheme, according to its president, M.J. Dinesh. Speaking at the 66th annual conference of the Karnataka Planters’ Association in Madikeri, he confirmed that a formal proposal has been submitted to the Union Commerce Ministry.

Dinesh highlighted efforts to boost domestic coffee consumption, stating that the average Indian drinks just 23 cups of coffee annually compared to the global average of 200 cups. “If internal consumption is promoted, the three lakh metric tons of coffee currently produced in India could be consumed domestically,” he noted. Plans are also underway to support women coffee entrepreneurs in opening coffee kiosks nationwide.

The Coffee Board is targeting increased productivity, aiming to produce 1,343 kg of coffee per hectare across plantations. Additionally, Rs 10 crore has been allocated for research and promotion of coffee, with efforts underway to raise this to Rs 50 crore. Export growth remains a priority, Dinesh stated, while addressing the new European import law that prohibits coffee cultivation involving deforestation. “India is reviewing the feasibility of this rule, but growers should embrace environmentally friendly practices,” he urged.

Abraham Mathew, president of the United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI), expressed concerns over India’s limited presence in the global coffee market. He also highlighted the growing issue of wildlife conflicts, which UPASI is actively addressing through expert consultations.

Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda assured his support for coffee growers, citing ongoing discussions with the Revenue Minister to address issues related to the SARFAESI Act. He also referenced the state government’s Rs 140 crore railway barricade installation scheme aimed at mitigating wildlife conflicts. Opposing the implementation of the Kasturirangan Report in Kodagu, Gowda argued, “Kodagu, with 67% forest cover, is already practicing environment-friendly cultivation. Farmers continue to face challenges due to restrictive policies, which are being addressed with the Revenue Department.”

The event, attended by Karnataka Planters’ Association president Kallichanda Rajeev Ganapathi and hundreds of growers, featured stalls promoting coffee products and innovations. The conference provided a platform for discussing pressing challenges and showcasing the future potential of India’s coffee sector.

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