MP Brijesh Chowta Seeks Coffee Board Aid for Dakshina Kannada Farmers
MANGALURU: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta has written to Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, requesting that the Coffee Board take necessary steps to support coffee cultivation in Dakshina Kannada.
“Dakshina Kannada is predominantly an agricultural district, heavily reliant on horticulture. Arecanut, a vital commercial crop, has been severely impacted by extreme weather conditions, diseases, and pests, leading to significant yield losses. To mitigate these risks and diversify their agricultural practices, many farmers in our district are keen to explore coffee cultivation, given its suitability to our climate,” the MP stated in the letter.
He stated that despite the potential benefits of coffee cultivation, Dakshina Kannada currently lacks the necessary facilities and support provided by the Coffee Board and central coffee research institute, which is readily available to farmers in neighboring regions. This disparity is hindering the growth of the coffee industry in Dakshina Kannada and limiting the economic opportunities of the farmers.
“Given the proximity of Dakshina Kannada to traditional coffee-growing districts, it is feasible for the Coffee Board to extend its support and services to our farmers. The Coffee Board could play a crucial role in promoting coffee cultivation in our district through training programs, technical assistance, and market access initiatives. By providing the necessary support, we can help farmers overcome the challenges associated with coffee cultivation and ensure its long-term sustainability,” he added.
The MP stated that while traditional coffee growing regions and neighboring districts like Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu already benefit from the facilities and support provided by the Coffee Board, Dakshina Kannada District remains underserved, despite being geographically close to these regions.
In another letter to the Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Brijesh Chowta has appealed for urgent intervention to control the leaf spot disease that has severely impacted the arecanut farmers in the district.
He called for proper training and guidance for farmers and agricultural extension workers to manage the disease effectively.