Fri Nov 08 01:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Dakshina Kannada MP Urges Coffee Board Support for Farmers

**Mangaluru, November 8, 2024:** Dakshina Kannada MP, Captain Brijesh Chowta, has appealed to Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal to extend the Coffee Board of India’s support and facilities to farmers in his district. In a letter to the minister, Chowta highlighted the difficulties faced by arecanut growers in Dakshina Kannada due to declining yields caused by adverse weather conditions and pests.

Many arecanut farmers, according to the MP, are looking to diversify their crops and are interested in coffee cultivation due to its suitability to the district’s climate. However, Dakshina Kannada lacks the facilities and support provided by the Coffee Board and the Central Coffee Research Institute, which are readily available to farmers in neighboring districts like Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu.

Chowta stressed the importance of the Coffee Board’s role in promoting coffee cultivation in Dakshina Kannada through training programs, technical assistance, and market access initiatives. He pointed out the geographical proximity of the district to traditional coffee-growing areas, making it feasible for the board to extend its support.

“While traditional coffee-growing regions and neighboring districts already benefit from the Coffee Board’s facilities, Dakshina Kannada remains underserved,” Chowta stated. “I urge you to ensure that farmers in Dakshina Kannada have access to the same level of support and resources as their counterparts in neighboring regions.”

Chowta specifically mentioned farmers in the Sullia, Puttur, and Belthangady taluks who should be encouraged and supported in exploring coffee cultivation. The MP also stated his intention to pursue this matter further during the upcoming winter session and meet with relevant officials, the Board chairman, and the Union Minister.

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