K.G.F SUPPORTS CIFA RALLY

Madikeri March 15:

Karnataka growers federation (KGF)has decided to support rally organized by consortium of Indian farmers (CIFA) on 16th march .The CIFA has called national agitation against the Govt’s negative policy against farmers and the organization will decide to elect those candidates who is farmer friendly during next parliament mention elections. KGF president Dr.N.K.Pradeep and General secretary H.T.Mohan kumar have sent a written press release from Hassan.

KGF has criticized the attitude of present coffee board chairman The chairman has been giving facts which are completely against the growers interests The board has not been transparent in the issues related to the policies of the board towards the growers. Moreover the board delayed the view to be given to ministry of commerce for more than two weeks which resulted in the delay he announcement of package. taking these views , the growers have completely lost trust and confidence in the coffee board under the present chairmen and calls for his resignations. The e central commerce ministry heard the grievances of the growers and asked for the proper proposal from the coffee board. But, due o delay in sending the proposal, the Govt. stopped the announcement as the election was declared.

KGF mention that the situation in the coffee region is very bad as the coffee picked is very low. The growers are not in a position to service the loans and interest. The banks should restrain from harassing the growers. The federation has warned the banks that criminal proceedings will be initiated against the concerned bank officials If the grower resorts to any untoward steps due to harassments from the financial institutions.

The harvested crop for the year 2008-09 is very poor. with the harvesting of both the Robusta and Arabica over ,the Arabica coffee in Karnataka will be 45 thousand metric tones .But the board has estimated a higher figure of more than 80 thousand metric tones and a wrong message has been sent to the centre. The incidence of berry borer has been very high this year. But the board has been sleeping on the issues lest the pest attack could have been kept under check. KGF has urged broca traps and other control agents should be supplied to the small growers at subsidized rates and should also be made available.