'Coffee fest unnecessary'

In a press release, they said coffee industry is facing lot of problems. More than 150 growers have committed suicide having unable to repay the loan. “When we have so many instances of farmers suffering, is it necessary to hold a festival,” they asked.

The release said in 1998-99, 1,20,000 metric tonne arabica coffee was produced. However, in 2008-09, the production has come down to 50,000 metric tonne. The production of Robasta coffee in 1998-99 was 2,20,000 metric tonne. It has come down to 1,60,000 metric tonne in 2008-09.

The sessions at the festival do not throw light on the status of Indian coffee growers. At the same time, the registration fee per head is Rs 7000. As a result, the  festival is out of reach for the common growers. 

The Federation will submit a memorandum to Commerce Minister Anandsharma and Union Minister for Law and Justice M Veerappa Moily on October 7. The Federation has urged the small and medium growers to be present on the occasion. The Federation has welcomed the move of ABC to bring international experts to provide information to the small growers.