Abstract:
Mechanization of plantation operations and improving quality
through certification are two critical issues that small and marginal
planters of coffee are facing in this era of globalization in order to
ensure viability and sustainability of plantations. Market uncertainities,
near-static productivity, rising labour costs and environmental concerns
have led to tremendous stress for small growers and they pose a serious
threat to the viability of small holder production. Planters face numerous
difficulties in adoption of mechanization and certification. Through
field interviews and group discussions we documented views of planters
and identified solutions from their perspective. Small and marginal
growers look for government support for investing in mechanization,
training and skill upgradation of plantation labourers and meeting part
of wage costs by linking MGNREGS with plantation operations in private
holdings. Similarly, on quality improvement through certification, more
renewed facilitative role of coffee board is sought as a crucial intermediary
to streamline multitudes of third-party governance mechanisms.
Contextual, indigenous and cost effective native certification with the
active support of coffee board is advocated in order to build a niche for
Coorg coffee in the international market. Landscape approach to
certification of all plantation products may also help enhancing incomes
of planter community.
