<p>Kalasa: The price of Robusta coffee has reached an all-time high of Rs 12,000 per bag. Predicting that such attractive prices will be fetched even the next year, the growers in Chikkamagaluru's Kalasa are taking all necessary measures to increase yield. The growers have started using sprinklers to irrigate their plants to aid blossoming.</p><p>Robusta coffee production can be increased by up to 40% if water is provided at the right time during summers. Although growers were aware of this, they had not installed irrigation systems for the past several years due to poor coffee prices. But the increase in price this time has motivated most coffee estates to make water arrangements.</p><p>Most estates in the taluk do not have water facilities. In such estates, efforts have been made this year to sink borewells. Water has been found in only a few places, while most attempts have failed. In estates with natural water availability, work is underway to install pipes and supply water.</p><p>“Growers are trying to irrigate using small wells and motors, using one jet at a time, as they are enthusiastic about getting a good harvest for the next crop as well,” says K C Dharanendra, a grower from Kalakodu.</p><p>However, the growers are facing another challenge. Labour shortage is affecting the installation of the sprinklers.</p><p>“Previously, workers would happily come for the job of irrigating. Now, even if we offer three times the wages, we don’t find workers for sprinkler work,” says Agustine, a grower from Karagadde.</p><p>Despite having water facilities, pumps, and pipes, he is frustrated by the inability to irrigate the plantation due to the unavailability of workers.</p><p>Meanwhile, some growers have already completed two rounds of watering coffee plants. Coffee flowers have bloomed, and fertilisers have been provided to the plants. In addition to providing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, some growers are using calcium nitrate in the second phase. Although expensive, some growers are using it as it can help the plant tackle heat and aid in berry setting.</p>
<p>Kalasa: The price of Robusta coffee has reached an all-time high of Rs 12,000 per bag. Predicting that such attractive prices will be fetched even the next year, the growers in Chikkamagaluru's Kalasa are taking all necessary measures to increase yield. The growers have started using sprinklers to irrigate their plants to aid blossoming.</p><p>Robusta coffee production can be increased by up to 40% if water is provided at the right time during summers. Although growers were aware of this, they had not installed irrigation systems for the past several years due to poor coffee prices. But the increase in price this time has motivated most coffee estates to make water arrangements.</p><p>Most estates in the taluk do not have water facilities. In such estates, efforts have been made this year to sink borewells. Water has been found in only a few places, while most attempts have failed. In estates with natural water availability, work is underway to install pipes and supply water.</p><p>“Growers are trying to irrigate using small wells and motors, using one jet at a time, as they are enthusiastic about getting a good harvest for the next crop as well,” says K C Dharanendra, a grower from Kalakodu.</p><p>However, the growers are facing another challenge. Labour shortage is affecting the installation of the sprinklers.</p><p>“Previously, workers would happily come for the job of irrigating. Now, even if we offer three times the wages, we don’t find workers for sprinkler work,” says Agustine, a grower from Karagadde.</p><p>Despite having water facilities, pumps, and pipes, he is frustrated by the inability to irrigate the plantation due to the unavailability of workers.</p><p>Meanwhile, some growers have already completed two rounds of watering coffee plants. Coffee flowers have bloomed, and fertilisers have been provided to the plants. In addition to providing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, some growers are using calcium nitrate in the second phase. Although expensive, some growers are using it as it can help the plant tackle heat and aid in berry setting.</p>