The Hindu Business Line : Lack of adequate rain worries coffee growers

Brewing problems
Main growing areas of Kodagu, Chikmagalur and Hassan affected by lack of rains.
White stem borer could affect arabica production like the last two years.
Rising prices of copper sulphate could mean growers may not spray the plants or cut its usage.

Chennai , May 4

Coffee growers, especially in Karnataka, are a worried lot as the main growing regions are starved of adequate backing showers, which are vital for the plant's health.

"We had good blossom showers and some backup showers in early part of April," said Mr Bose Mandanna, former Vice-Chairman of Coffee Board and grower.

"Since then, we have not had enough rains that are essential for development of the pinheads after blossoming. Moreover, the growing areas are experiencing terrible heat."

Hassan, Kodagu, and Chikmagalur are the areas that have been affected the most by the lack of adequate backup showers. "We have very good showers to begin with. After that, the backup has not been good," said Mr Anil Bhandari, former President of Upasi.

Other issue

The other issue worrying the growers is the increasing incidence of white stem borer.

"We all thought the white stem borer menace would have got over after heavy rains last year. But we now find that the problem has doubled," said Mr Mandanna. Growers who have begun tracing the plant for pest attacks have found that the number of plants affected by the borer has more than doubled this year.

Mr Bhandari said there could be a hangover of the white stem borer menace for another year or two. The borer is rampant in the arabicas and they could be affected badly this year.

Production affected

During the last two years, incidence of white stem borer has hit coffee production.

While production fell to 2.75 lakh tonnes in 2005-05 (October-September) from three lakh tonnes the previous year, this season the output is estimated at 2.82 lakh tonnes. Arabica output this season is estimated to be 98,500 tonnes, compared to 1.06 lakh tonnes the previous year. However, Mr Mandanna said robusta that production could be better as it was unlikely to be hit by these problems. The initial backup showers should stand in good stead for the robustas. Robusta production this year is estimated to be 1.83 lakh tonnes compared to 1.88 lakh tonnes earlier.

Copper sulphate

Meanwhile, the rise in the prices of copper sulphate is also worrying the growers. Copper sulphate has to be sprayed on the plants mixed with lime during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods to check the menace of leaf rust.

"Copper sulphate's price has more than doubled to Rs 1.03 lakh a tonne from around Rs 50,000 tonne a year ago," said Mr Mandanna.

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