The budget proposal to convert Wayanad as a carbon neutral district has provided fresh hopes to the farm community, especially coffee farmers. The ambitious programme will provide better market opportunities for coffee growers in Wayanad, says Prasanth Rajesh, president, Wayanad Coffee Growers Association.
As per Coffee Board data, there are over 62,000 small-scale farmers in the district and the cultivation is spread over 55,000 hectares.
“The land under coffee cultivation has already helped reduce carbon emission. As per studies, coffee plants in one hectare will absorb in a year carbon emissions of 50,000 km from a car,” Mr. Prasanth said.
“The proposal is aimed at reducing and offsetting the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to achieve carbon neutrality. Planting of trees is a major activity to be taken up under the carbon neutral project and the produce of coffee plants growing under shade trees will have better taste. If such products are marketed under a brand name it will ensure sustainable income for farmers and help reduce GHG,” T.P. Sethumadhavan, Director of Entrepreneurship, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, said.
“As the carbon neutral initiative is also a value-added programme, traders will get a better opportunity to market the product across the world,” he said.
Moreover, it would help entrepreneurs venture into new areas of processing, value-addition, packaging, and marketing of the coffee as a standalone product in the international market, Dr. Sethumadhavan added.
Wayanad produces 57,000 tonnes of Robusta coffee beans, nearly 40 per cent of the total Robusta production in the country every year. Though the country accounts for only four to five per cent of the world’s output, it exports 70-80 per cent of its produce.
Ambitious plans
62,000 small-scale farmers in the district
Traders will get better opportunity to market produce
Entrepreneurs can venture into new areas of processing
