ISSUES IN CERTIFICATION AND MECHANISATION IN COFFEE CULTIVATION: PERSPECTIVES FROM SMALL GROWERS OF KODAGU DISTRICT

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.