Kodagu coffee growers reap high prices amid yield drop – Star of Mysore

Madikeri: Within the heartland of coffee cultivation, Kodagu, this yr’s harvest tells a story of blended fortunes.

Whereas coffee manufacturing has seen a big dip on account of erratic climate patterns, farmers are discovering aid in skyrocketing prices which have touched report highs. Nonetheless, rising labour and upkeep prices proceed to be a priority, significantly for small-scale growers.

A season of contrasts

Kodagu’s main coffee-growing taluks — Madikeri, Virajpet and Ponnampet — are at present within the thick of the Robusta coffee harvest. Nonetheless, on account of inconsistent rainfall final yr, coffee yields have plummeted by 30 p.c to 50 p.c in a number of plantations. Some fortunate farmers have reported respectable harvests, however for many, expectations have fallen quick.

But, what the season lacks in amount, it makes up for in worth. A 50 kg bag of Robusta coffee (with husk) is now fetching between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 13,000 — a historic high. As compared, final yr’s charges stood at round Rs. 9,000 per 50-kg bag.

The surge in prices is attributed to a world dip in coffee manufacturing, significantly in main coffee-producing nations like Brazil and Colombia. For farmers, this surprising worth hike is a a lot-wanted ‘bumper reward’ after a difficult season.

Labour scarcity provides to woes

Regardless of high prices, farmers are struggling to search out sufficient labourers for harvesting. Kodagu historically depends on seasonal staff from Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Bihar, who arrive in December for the coffee-picking season.

This yr, nevertheless, the declining yield and different components have deterred many staff from making the journey, leaving farmers in misery.

Including to the problem, wages have surged. Two years in the past, day by day wages ranged between Rs. 400 and Rs. 450. This yr, charges have shot as much as Rs. 550 to Rs. 600 per day, additional escalating the price of cultivation.

To make issues worse, labourers now begin work later than earlier than. Earlier, they might start harvesting by 8.30 am or 9 am and proceed till 5 pm. Now, work begins at 10 am and wraps up by 3.30 pm, reducing useful work hours.

That is primarily on account of labourers being transported from distant places. Other than increased wages, property homeowners should additionally bear the extra prices of labour contractors, driver charges and car leases, rising the monetary pressure on growers.

First showers in February

In late February, Napoklu and Kaluru areas obtained their first rainfall of the yr. Whereas rain is normally welcomed in Kodagu’s coffee plantations, its timing is essential.

The downpour has stalled the harvesting course of, as ripened coffee cherries stay on crops alongside delicate new coffee blossoms for the subsequent season.

For individuals who had already accomplished their harvest, the rain was a aid. However for these nonetheless working within the fields, it has turn out to be a irritating setback.