For many growers in Kodagu, the Prime Minister’s mention brought a sense of pride but also renewed hope for government intervention. | Photo Credit: For many growers in Kodagu, the Prime Minister’s mention brought a sense of pride but also renewed hope for government intervention. For many growers in Kodagu, the Prime Minister’s mention brought a sense of pride but also renewed hope for government intervention.
Planters in Karnataka welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise for the global recognition earned by coffee from the state’s key production areas of Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ speech on Sunday. Growers, however, urged the government to take concrete steps to address the persistent problems affecting the industry.
Coffee Board of India Chairman MJ Dinesh thanked the Prime Minister for recognizing the efforts of thousands of growers and said the recognition would spur renewed enthusiasm in the industry. “The prime minister’s words will encourage growers, traders and exporters. It comes at a time when the board has taken several initiatives to increase productivity as well as domestic consumption,” he said.
For many growers in Kodagu, the Prime Minister’s mention brought a sense of pride but also renewed hope for government intervention. “It is heartening that the Prime Minister spoke about coffee from Kodagu, which produces the largest share of Indian coffee. His words reaffirm the importance of our work,” said coffee grower Ravi Chengappa of Virajpet, Kodagu.
However, Mr Chengappa noted that the sector continues to face serious difficulties. “Coffee growers face rising input costs, labor shortages, damage from erratic rainfall and wild animal attacks. Fluctuating international prices and lack of adequate crop insurance have also left many growers financially vulnerable,” he said.
Another farmer Dinesh H. from Chikkamagalur urged both the central and state governments to take immediate steps to protect the livelihood of coffee farmers. “We hope that the Prime Minister’s award will translate into stronger political support. The government needs to address these long-term issues from better price realization to promoting sustainable cultivation so that the next generation of growers can continue this legacy,” he added.
Published – 27 Oct 2025 20:48 IST
