What is the Labour Wage for Coffee Harvesting in Kodagu? CPA Notification Explains

How much will coffee harvesting labour cost in Kodagu this season?

Madikeri: As the coffee harvesting season begins in Kodagu district, the Coorg Planters’ Association (CPA) has announced that the minimum wages for plantation labour have been fixed at ₹476.11 per day for the period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. This includes a basic wage of ₹427 and a variable dearness allowance (VDA) of ₹49.11, according to a notice displayed on the CPA noticeboard on its official website cpa.org.in

The coffee planters in Kodagu are grappling with an acute shortage of labour, leading to delays in harvesting operations across the district. The demand for workers peaks between December and April, which coincides with the robusta coffee harvesting season, the dominant variety grown in the region.

Despite offering wages higher than the prescribed minimum, estate owners say they are struggling to attract sufficient labour. Many planters are paying labourers ranging from ₹6 to ₹10 per kilogram of coffee beans harvested. Growers argue that these rates are increasingly difficult to sustain, as returns remain modest after accounting for drying losses, processing expenses, and fluctuating market prices.

The situation has been further compounded by unseasonal rainfall over the past few days. The intermittent showers have disrupted harvesting schedules and affected the sun-drying process, which is critical to maintaining bean quality. Farmers who commenced harvesting recently say cloudy skies and rain pose serious challenges to drying harvested coffee, raising the risk of fungal infections and quality deterioration, particularly for the robusta variety.

Kodagu is the largest coffee-producing district in Karnataka and is widely regarded as the backbone of India’s coffee sector. Karnataka contributes more than 70% of the country’s total coffee output, with Kodagu alone accounting for a substantial share. The region’s coffee is predominantly shade-grown, intercropped with native trees, lending it distinct flavour characteristics.

Coffee cultivation in Karnataka dates back to the 17th century, when the crop was introduced in the Baba Budangiri hills in Chikkamagaluru. Over time, Kodagu emerged as a major plantation hub due to its favourable climate, rainfall, and soil conditions. Even today, coffee remains central to the district’s economy, supporting thousands of growers and plantation workers, as the sector navigates mounting labour and climate-related challenges.

Disclaimer:

The information regarding the minimum plantation wages cited above is based on a notice displayed on the Coorg Planters’ Association (CPA) noticeboard and details available on its official website. The Kodagu Express has reported this information in good faith for public awareness and journalistic purposes.

The Kodagu Express does not independently verify, fix, enforce, or interpret wage structures, and shall not be held responsible for any discrepancies, revisions, omissions, or disputes arising from the implementation or interpretation of the said wages. Wage applicability, compliance, and related matters are subject to government notifications, statutory provisions, and agreements between employers and workers.

Readers, planters, and workers are advised to verify the wage details with the CPA, the Labour Department, or other competent authorities before acting upon the information. The Kodagu Express bears no liability for any loss, claim, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the above-mentioned wage information.

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