Are planters in Kodagu being cheated by traders in the guise of ‘out-turn tests’ to deny remunerative price for coffee?
The situation has turned so serious that the planters have submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner and the Coffee Board.
Out-turn is the quantity of total produce obtained after processing. In the absence of a uniform and reliable testing mechanism, traders cheat gullible planters and offer low prices. Moreover, the results of the quality check vary from trader to trader, adding to the woes of the planters.
Further, the out-turn test of the crop is affected by many factors such as erratic rains, non-flowering of buds, improper quantity of fertilisers and the nature of soil, etc.
Also, the buyers do not purchase coffee, if the moisture content is more than 13 per cent. If the coffee is over dried, that would result in the reduction of out-turn.
Members of Farmers Welfare and Recreation Club of Nelaji village alleged that the traders were harassing the growers, under the guise of out-turn test. The Club has submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner and the Coffee Board. The Club has urged the government to provide specific guidelines to the Coffee Board towards the issue.