Madikeri: “Coffee growers are in trouble as they have become debtors as their crops are damaged in the present weather conditions. Adding to it is untimely rain, delayed monsoon and other reasons,” Somwarpet Taluk Coffee Growers Association said. They demanded a waiver of farmers’ crop loans and interest.Speaking to reporters in Somwarpet, association president BM Lava said that the Union and state govts are earning Rs 28,000 crore from various sources from the coffee industry. However, he accused the govts of doing injustice by not responding to growers’ distress.He said in Kodagu, 60% of the Arabica and Robusta coffee crops have been damaged. Due to excessive heat, the plants are dying because of white stem borer pest in Arabica coffee plantations. Most of the coffee plantations are affected, he added. Lava expressed his sadness that due to the increase in production costs, the growers are unable to maintain their coffee plantations, which are being left to fall into ruin.“Loans were taken from cooperative societies and commercial banks for the maintenance of coffee plantations. The growers are unable to pay the interest,” he said.The association vice-president, HK Prasi, secretary Manohar and directors were present.Meanwhile, the growers said that the SARFAESI Act is affecting coffee planters. “The Union govt should immediately repeal the Act. If it fails, a struggle will be launched,” they said. A 35-acre coffee plantation in Bhagamandala was auctioned for Rs 90 lakh under this Act, they stated.
