Heavy Rains Cause Big Losses for Coffee and Pepper Farmers in Karnataka
Farmers in Karnataka’s coffee heartlands, including Hassan and Chikkamagalur, have suffered 60% yield losses due to heavy rains and cold weather. The excessive rain and wind have damaged coffee and pepper crops, uprooted trees, and downed pepper vines.
A coffee farmer from Kanenahalli, Satish, said, “This year it rained a lot. We are facing a lot of issues due to the rain in the state. Coffee beans are falling due to the heavy rain and winds. There is a huge loss of coffee. We don’t have money to pay the men who have been working here. I appeal to the government to help us out.”
Coffee is traditionally grown in the Western Ghats, which span Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Coffee is a perennial crop and the maintenance cost of this crop is high.
Doubts Revealed
Karnataka -: Karnataka is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its rich culture, history, and diverse landscapes.
Hassan and Chikkamagalur -: Hassan and Chikkamagalur are districts in Karnataka. They are famous for their coffee plantations and scenic beauty.
60% yield losses -: Yield losses mean the amount of crops that farmers expected to harvest but couldn’t. 60% yield loss means more than half of the crops were damaged.
Coffee and pepper crops -: Coffee and pepper are types of plants that produce beans and spices. Coffee beans are used to make coffee drinks, and pepper is a spice used in cooking.
Uprooted trees -: Uprooted trees are trees that have been pulled out of the ground by strong winds or heavy rain.
Downed pepper vines -: Downed pepper vines are pepper plants that have fallen to the ground due to bad weather.
Satish from Kanenahalli -: Satish is a farmer who lives in Kanenahalli, a village in Karnataka. He grows coffee and is facing problems because of the bad weather.
Western Ghats -: The Western Ghats are a mountain range in India. They run through the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu and are known for their rich biodiversity.
