Rains prove dear

Arabica coffee beans are withering away due to the incesant, untimely rains that has been lashing over the district over the last 6 days. It is said that about 50 per cent of arabica crops and about 30 per cent of robusta crops have been lost, said Karnataka Coffee Growers’ Association President Dr N K Pradeep.

He said that robusta plants are bearing blossom, which indicates that the yield will be lesser next year. “Coffee sector has incurred loss of Rs 1,000 crore over the last 3 years. If the Centre does not understand the gravity of the situation and release special package, then lot of growers will be compelled to end their lives,” he said.

Coffee growers of Hassan, Kodagu and Chikmagalur district are all facing same problems. He said that intense protest will be staged if the banks pressurise the farmers to repay the loans. Coffee Board President Krishna Rao will visit the district on January 2 and inspect the region and then submit a report to the government, he said.

25 pc paddy loss in Kodagu
Madikeri: As much as 25 per cent of coffee crops have been estimated to be lost over the last 5 days owing to the unseasonal rains that has been lashing over the district. The rains continued washing away little hopes left in the farmers of sun shine. Though there are no statistics available about paddy loss, it is estimated to be at 25 per cent.

Joint Director of Agriculture K R Krishnaiah said that Assistant Directors of all the three taluks have been directed to submit a report of loss.  Coffee Board is still on with its survey works to estimate the loss but the growers say that the coffee loss mounts to 25 per cent.