COFFEE CONUNDRUM: WHITHER THE FUTURE OF SMALL GROWERS IN INDIA?

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