In the intricate world of coffee cultivation, success often depends more than just planting seeds and waiting for harvest. It requires a nuanced approach to managing coffee bushes and implementing optimal nutrition practices yield robust harvests of the highest quality beans. Furthermore, proficiency in irrigation techniques and clonal propagation methods are crucial factors for any coffee producer. Considering its significance, the visit to Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) represented a pivotal training opportunity for Fairtrade coffee producers from Karnataka and Kerala, India. The trainings aimed to elevate their proficiency in coffee bush management, nutrition management, irrigation techniques, and clonal propagation. 14 coffee producers from Karnataka, along with 37 producers from Kerala attended training sessions conducted by Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) scientists as a part of the Coffee Development Plan (CDP) by Nespresso through Max Havelaar Switzerland. The trainings comprised of both classroom sessions and practical demonstrations that allowed participants to gain firsthand experience in pruning techniques, soil sampling, Irrigation and Nutrition management as well as Clonal propagation.
Training session in Karnataka, India
The training organized by NAPP was very good and informative. As a small farmer, I learnt a lot from the CCRI scientist especially Clonal propagation and pest and disease management in Coffee.” – Ashrith, The Sushira Sangeetha Parivara.
The participants from Karnataka got hands-on experience by practicing pruning and soil sampling techniques. the participants had the opportunity to explore various departments of CCRI, including pathology, entomology, soil science etc. to gain broader experience. This exposure enabled the producers to apply their learnings into their own work and improve their crop production.
Through the visit to the Coffee Demo plot and advisory sessions led by CCRI scientists. The trainings included a brief session on Fairtrade standards followed by visit to coffee demo plot. During the visit to the Coffee Demo plot maintained by Mr. Ramesh from Chikkamagalur district of Karnataka, a member of Prasanna Ganapathi Farmers Foundation, the participants engaged in discussions with CCRI scientists that provided insights into pest and disease management and agronomic practices in Coffee cultivation, particularly concerning Berry borer and stem borer incidence. Similarly, participants from Kerala also gained insights from visitation to the demo coffee plots. The interactive sessions with CCRI scientists proved to be instrumental in clarifying doubts and fostering a deeper understanding of coffee cultivation practices.
“The visit to CCRI was very important to us since the scientists explained very well about the cultivation aspects of Robusta and Arabica Coffee. We got hands on experience on Pruning techniques and clonal propagation. We Thank Fairtrade NAPP and CCRI for organising such a useful programme for the coffee farmers.” – Adarsh K G, Malenadu Savayava Krishi Parivar.
The immediate impact of the trainings was evident as it provided comprehensive trainings to Fairtrade farmers on essential coffee cultivation techniques. Participants are now having the necessary skills to implement the soil sampling, clonal propagation, and pruning techniques at their coffee farm. They also gained valuable knowledge on Nutrition and Irrigation management, in addition to other agronomic practices in Coffee cultivation. Encouraged by the trainings, participants expressed their intent to implement the learned techniques in their fields.
Furthermore, participants raised concerns regarding damages caused by pests and challenges of financing the new coffee plants. They appreciated the distribution of Coffee training materials as it enables them to reinforce their learning independently. Looking ahead, the focus remains on applying the acquired agronomic practices in participants’ coffee fields and fostering their engagement in organizational development aligned with Fairtrade standards. The visit concluded with positive feedback from participants as it improved coffee prices in the domestic market this year.
Training session in Kerala, India.
