Kodagu farmers face coffee crop losses amid Cyclone Fengal's heavy rains

Kodagu, renowned for its coffee plantations, is grappling with severe weather conditions caused by Cyclone Fengal. The district has been experiencing continuous heavy rainfall since Tuesday, threatening the region’s Arabica coffee crops just as they are ripening and nearing harvest. The downpour has led to premature fruit drops, sparking concerns over significant crop loss.

Farmers find themselves in a difficult predicament. If the coffee is harvested in the current weather, the absence of sunlight makes it nearly impossible to dry the crop. This lack of drying conditions increases the risk of fungal growth, which can damage the beans and lower market value. Despite current prices standing at ₹11,000 per bag, the unrelenting rains have dashed farmers’ hopes of profiting from the harvest.

Prasad Kuttappa, a coffee grower, shared the dilemma: “We have no choice but to harvest to prevent the fruits from falling. But without sunlight, drying is impossible, and the damp weather can spoil the coffee.” Even when the harvested coffee is covered with tarpaulins for protection, it remains vulnerable to the persistent rainfall.

Suntikoppa in Kushalnagar taluk, which has been receiving heavy rainfall, is facing the brunt of Cyclone Fengal’s effects. The region, which usually sees the end of the rainy season by October, is now experiencing monsoon-like conditions with strong winds and a bitter chill. The cold, combined with the rain, has prompted residents to bundle up in sweaters and jackets.

With the IMD issuing a red alert for Kodagu, further rainfall is expected in the coming days, adding to the hardship of both coffee growers and local residents. As a precaution, the Kodagu district administration has declared a holiday for schools, colleges, and anganwadis, while the community braces for more challenges ahead.

Kodagu farmers face coffee crop losses amid Cyclone Fengal’s heavy rains

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