The Hindu : Karnataka News : `White stem borer causing damage'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 04, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka

`White stem borer causing damage'

Staff Reporter

Smallholdings may lose up to 15 per cent of coffee plants
Loss in bigger plantations in the range of 2 to 3 per cent

Project to control infestation may be extended by a year

BANGALORE: The loss of coffee plants in smallholdings because of infestation by the white stem borer is likely to go up to 15 per cent.

However, the loss in bigger plantations is expected to be 2 to 3 per cent thanks to precautions and risk management measures, according to Caleb Dengu, Project Manager of the Coffee Sector, Common Fund for Commodities (CFC).

Mid-term evaluation

On his visit to India for a mid-term evaluation of the CFC-funded $5 million project to control infestation by these pests in three countries, including Malawi and Zimbabwe, Mr. Dengu told presspersons here on Tuesday that six estates in Karnataka have been scrutinised, and the lack of a strong farmers' institution is a major concern.

Launched in September 2002, the project is into its third year and is likely to be extended by another year, Mr. Dengu said. Farmers have lost about 100 plants on each hectare. (One hectare comprises at least 3,000 plants).

The infestation, mainly due to poor maintenance, has caused serious damage in India. At the present rate of infestation, smallholdings are likely to lose up to 15 per cent of the coffee plants in the next two years.

Mr. Dengu said the CFC provides training to farmers, traders and exporters. Farmers are assisted in capacity building and strengthening institutions.

Replication of model

The CFC had a meeting with National Multi-Commodity Exchange Of India Ltd. and is looking into how such a model can be replicated in emerging markets, he said.

"India is among the top three nations in the world in terms of coffee research and human resources in the sector. The quality of Indian coffee has gone up by leaps and bounds in the last three to four years, but low domestic consumption is a cause for worry," he added.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka