3 new schemes for coffee planters in 12th plan

BANGALORE:  “Production of coffee has remained stagnant at around three lakh metric tonnes since 2001 to maintain the share of exports and sustain domestic market requirements, we will need to increase production at around 5% per annum,” Coffee Board Chairman  Jawaid Akhtar said.He was speaking to reporters at the Karnataka Planters Association conference in the city on Wednesday. Discussing yields from new belts like Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, he said that the production quantities seen are poor. “We, instead, need to focus on the productivity of plantation in traditional areas by adopting improved technology and an intensive replanting programme,” he observed.  He outlined three broad schemes in the 12th five year plan which would help coffee plantations increase their productivity. The board plans on preparing a comprehensive database of plantations based on area and survey numbers. It shall also intensify efforts to mechanize the entire process by offering subsidies on investment in mechanical implements like mini tractors, power tillers, power chain saws and mini transporter/rubberized track carriers. These four categories of machinery will be added to the current list of 225 machines which are already approved for subsidy. “Mechanisation will serve to decrease dependence on labour. This is a good thing since the sector faces a huge shortage of labour,” said Akthar. The third scheme would be to look into transfer of technology which can help the sector in increasing productivity levels to about 1200 KG/Hectare for Arabica and 2000 Kg/Hectare for Robusta from the current average of 838 Kg/Hectare.