Untimely rains a nightmare for coffee growers

However, untimely rains and cloudy weather have spoiled the sleep of the growers.
The growers were expecting good harvest during the season. However, owing to the untimely rains, the coffee beans started riping within two months. The present untimely rains have resulted in rotting of coffee beans.

Collecting the fallen coffee beans is not only a tiresome work but also reduces the quality. Before plucking the coffee beans, the growers remove the unwanted weeds around the coffee plants.

However, owing to the rains, the weeds have grown once again. As a result, it is difficult for the labourers to remove the fallen beans. Even after plucking, coffee beans can not be dried. There is all danger of berry borer disease affecting the next harvest. Along with the rains, there is scarcity of labourers to work in the estates.

There is a great demand for labourers. Even after paying Rs 120 per day, labourers are not available for work, complain growers.

The growers have to bear the cost of transportation of labourers in jeep and van as well. The hopes of growers to repay the loan with the good harvest have been lost.

There is no price when there is good harvest, feel growers. Now the only hope left with them is the announcement of coffee package by the government.