COFFEE BOARD PRODUCTION ESTIMATE SHOULD BE RECONSIDERED

-DEMANDS CPA CHAIRMAN

Madikeri July 18 Coffee board has estimated 2010-11 coffee production as 3.08 lakh tonnes which is 18,400 tonnes more compared to last year’s production. In Kodagu district the estimation show a figure of 22,050 tones of Arabica and 1.12 tones of Robusta. Last year production was 21,550 tones of Arabica and 1.11 tones of Robusta. This year Kodagu estimation is also more compares to last year. But, Coffee board should re estimate it as the estimated production is high compared to actual production. Due to variation in rainfall and berry borer problem, the estimation will go down analyzed Codagu planters association president D.Govindappa jairam. He was speaking presiding over the association’s annual general body meeting held here.

Continuing he said that the present situation encourages cardamom production. The cardamom rate is shooting up. The recent price reveals a minimum of Rs.1,100 per K.G which has boosted the cardamom cultivation Govindappa explained.

He demanded to provide sufficient quantity of methyl and ethyl alcohol pesticide which is not available in the market due to excise department controlling the open sale. Although coffee board has suggested to use chlorepyriphose as alternate pesticide it has no proper affect on controlling the berry borer he told.He also demanded to announce a minimum of 50% subsidy for weed removing, coffee picking, brush cutting ,tree sawing machines to promote mechanization to face the grievous labour problem. He also requested K.G.Bopaiah, the speaker who was the chief guest in the function to protect life and estates of growers from elephant menace in Kodagu. He suggested to shift the elephants to forests through tranquilization, to build elephant trenches and to provide sufficient forest guards to chase the animals when they enter estates.

PHOTO:DIGNITORIES IN THE FUNCTION