The Karnataka Planters' Association (KPA) office bearers have asked the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Mr Jyotiraditya Scindia, to enhance replanting subsidy.

KPA has requested the minister to intervene and revise the replanting cost and enhance subsidy rates. Due to steep increase in input and labour costs, the cost of replanting should be revised to Rs 1.75 lakh/hectare for Arabica and Rs 1.20 lakh/hectare for Robusta, they have urged.

Keeping this in mind, subsidy offered to replanting and for re-plantation by interlining for Arabica and Robusta should be raised to 60 per cent (up to 2 hectare) 50 per cent (2 hectare up to 10 hectare), 40 per cent (above 10 hectare).

“In addition to revision of replanting subsidy, we briefed the minister about the holding structure of coffee plantations in Karnataka and the importance of opening up all schemes to all sectors including companies and co-operatives,” Mr Sahadev Balakrishna, Chairman, KPA told Business Line .

Focus on R&D

Mr Scindia urged the planters' body to focus on research & development, and replanting & mechanisation programmes initiated by the Coffee Board.

He also expressed concerned about the devastation of the Arabica plantations by the dreaded White Stem Borer pest and was in agreement with the KPA that a control measure is imperative to prevent the conversion of Arabica estates into Robusta.

Speaking on shortage of labour in the plantation belt, Mr Scindia emphasised the need for mechanising plantation operations.

Along with Mr Balakrishna, Mr Marvin Rodrigues, Vice-Chairman, KPA, Ms Vijaylaxmi Joshi, Additional Secretary — Plantations, and Mr Mangat Ram Sharma, Director, Plantation Division, Ministry of Commerce were present.

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