Growers plan Kodagu bundh on Nov 16

District administration should pressurise the Centre to announce the package by Nov 15

Addressing reporters, Federation office-bearers Naresh said Centre has been delaying the announcement of the package for the last one year. Banks will initiate tough action if the loan is not waived off/paid by December. This will have an impact on the growers. District administration and elected representatives should pressurise the Centre to announce the package by November 15, he added. Whole economy of Kodagu is dependent on coffee. All the business establishments and vehicle owners should voluntarily take part in the bundh, he appealed.

Coffee Board former vice-president Dr Sannuvanda Kaveriappa said coffee growers are yet to revive from the steep fall in the price in 2002. The value of interest has gone up when compared to the loan in banks.
After the farmers committed suicide, under Vidarbha package, Rs 2,650 crore special grants were released to the six districts. Of which Rs 400 crore was distributed to each district. However, the funds were not utilised properly. He said in 2008, a sum of Rs 1,236.53 crore was sent to the Centre for loan waiver. Federation President Kattimandaiah urged the district administration to release the available Rs 13 crore after seeking approval from government.