Indian Coffee Farmers Demand Better Marketing Avenues – CoffeeTalk

Poor marketing avenues for coffee beans have been a significant issue for farmers in the hill hamlet of Vathalmalai in Dharmapuri district. They claim that poor pricing and lack of market hamper the development of coffee cultivation. To address this, they are demanding the district administration to establish a local cooperative industry or coffee board procurement centres in the area. Vathalmalai, located 3,000 feet above sea level, is the only area in Dharmapuri where farmers undertake coffee cultivation. A total area of 350 acres is dedicated to coffee production, but due to the lack of local marketing avenues, farmers transport their produce to Yercaud to sell their produce.

Most coffee producers fall victim to poor pricing fixed by middle men, which they believe needs to be improved through a local cooperative or Coffee Board of India procurement center. Farmers like R Kaliappan of Palsilambu, M Periyasamy, and S Selvakumar have expressed concerns about the price of coffee beans and the lack of local cooperatives. They also urge the district administration to consider their demand and improve coffee production.

The district administration has promised to look into the matter, stating that while the cultivation area in Vathalmalai has expanded, there is still limited production. However, they will take necessary steps to aid coffee farmers.

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