Large Coffee Farms In India See Relief While Small Farms Struggle Amidst Labor Shortage – CoffeeTalk

3

Karnataka’s big coffee planters are experiencing a relief this harvest season as migrant workers arrive in sufficient numbers to meet the demand, even as coffee prices have hit a record high this year. For the past five years, coffee plantations in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan districts have grappled with a labour crisis during the crucial November-to-March harvest period. Planters heavily rely on migrant workers, primarily from Assam and West Bengal, with smaller contingents from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and north Karnataka. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns, and state and general elections in those States disrupted the arrival of these workers, exacerbating the shortage.

The return of migrant workers has brought some relief, but it has been a tough few years for all of them. If these high prices sustain, it might just give them the breathing room they desperately need. Small growers are still struggling, as they cannot afford the increased wages offered by larger estates. The delicate process involves picking ripe cherries without damaging the plant, and workers, often earning double their usual wages, are incentivised to make the long journey to Karnataka.

Coffee growers rue the lack of support from the State and Central governments as well as the Coffee Board. M.T. Poovaiah, a coffee planter from South Kodagu, said that labour shortages have become a major challenge. Local labourers are no longer available, and they have to rely on workers from Kerala, who come here, work for the day, and return home. They bear their transportation costs and hefty labour charges, which result in significant losses. Around 80% of the profit earned from coffee goes back into maintaining their estates throughout the year.

Small coffee planters are urging the government to support mechanisation and automation to address labour shortages. Mechanisation can be applied to processes like drying beans and irrigation, which will help reduce dependency on workers in these areas.

Read More @ The Hindu

Source: Coffee Talk

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy