The Hindu Business Line : Minister assures package for Karnataka coffee growers

THE Commerce and Industry Minister, Mr Kamal Nath, has assured a delegation of coffee growers from Karnataka that he would look into its problems and that his Ministry would soon formulate a package.

The delegation wanted a long-term solution as well as an immediate relief for the growers.

India produces three lakh tonnes of coffee every year, of which 80 per cent is exported and 20 per cent is consumed domestically. Karnataka accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the country's production.

An official release said that the delegation informed the Minister that banks are not extending easy credit to the growers and that over the years, the accumulated interest has also capitalised adding to their interest burden.

They held that the price fluctuation in the international markets had adversely affected them. Earlier the delegation had met the Congress President and UPA Convenor, Ms Sonia Gandhi, to urge her to impress upon the Centre to waive interest on loans since 1999.

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