Abstract:
In this paper an attempt has been made to analyze the situation
and identify critical issues in the coffee sector, in terms of production
conditions, marketing and trade, labour, promotional measures and role
of various actors with a specific focus on small growers who account for
bulk of plantation estates and face several constraints. Our analysis
points out that, vertical integration of small producers is important in
order to enhance value for the primary producers. Product diversification
(to quality coffees) quality improvement, mechanisation of certain
operations, professional management and technical inputs, post-harvest
processing, supplementary income earning opportunities would enable
small growers to remain in production chain with cost competitiveness.
Enhancing domestic consumption would also help in price stability.
Labour and social security reforms are also needed to enhance
productivity and cost competitiveness. Limited spread of certification
mechanisms need to be acknowledged and efforts should be made
towards developing locally contextual certification measures, including
self-certification in order to enhance value for environmental protection
