More than 50 per cent of coffee grown in 1,510 hectare land has been destroyed in rain in July.
Coffee Board had received 18,911 applications to conduct survey on loss. Coffee Board has identified areas where harvest loss is more than 50 per cent. Accordingly, 359 growers in 10 villages have been identified for paying compensation.
Coffee Board had conducted survey in Naladi, Bhagamandala, Cherangala, Ayyangeri, Chettimani, Padakal, Korangal, Sannapulikotu, Singathooru, Thannimani and Thavoor and have estimated that 50 per cent of the coffee harvest is being lost in 1,510 hectare land. For conducting survey, the Board had received 10,443 applications from North Kodagu, 8,478 from South Kodagu. The Board decided to conduct survey in those areas which received more than 3,500 mm rainfall.
Based on the report of Coffee Board, district administration through Revenue department has recommended to the government to provide suitable compensation.
As per guidelines of Natural Calamity Fund, coffee growers who have lost more than 50 per cent of the harvest will get Rs 6,000 compensation per acre.
Compared to last year, the harvest loss is less this year. Two years ago, the loss was more due to heavy rains accompanied with gutsy winds. In 2007, coffee in 13,450 hectare has been lost. 10,496 growers had filed application seeking compensation.
However, district administration has not received any reaction from the State government whether compensation should be paid for the coffee harvest loss or not.
In a letter to the State government and Coffee Board President G V Krishnarao, Home Ministry Natural Calamity division Joint Secretary O Ravi has clearly stated that the compensation can be paid to the coffee growers for harvest loss due to heavy rains. For the State government to give direction, the notification issued by the Union Home Ministry is enough. However, even elected representatives have failed to assert pressure on the government to provide compensation.
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