Kodagu Growers Federation warns of intense protest

Addressing a press meet here, Federation President Kattimandaiah said the Centre had announced a special package to help the growers.

But it has not been implemented so far. As a result, the growers are in dire straits. Expecting the implementation of special package, growers have not repaid the loan borrowed from banks.

With the delay in the implementation of the package, banks have started urging the growers to repay, he said.
Recently even the Commerce Minster was urged to issue a notification urging banks not to harass growers. However, no notification has been issued so far, he lamented.
He said, “If the central government’s special package is not implemented within November 15, then growers of Kodagu, Chikmagalur and Hassan districts will come to the streets and intensify protest,” he warned.

Government should initiate measures to release compensation for the loss of harvest incurred by the growers in 2007-08 due to heavy rains. Though DC had promised to solve the confusion within 15 days during recent protest, no concrete action has been taken so far, he lamented.

Government should initiate measures to include coffee estate labourers to BPL list. At the same time, insurance should be paid to the growers on time, he added.
Federation Office-bearers B T Dinesh, Ramesh Muddaiah, Adengada N Ashok and others were present.