KORAPUT: After neighbouring Andhra Pradesh government flagged infestation of Coffee Berry Borer in Araku region, coffee growers of Koraput district are concerned about the possible spread of the foreign pest into their plantations.
The pest, Hypothenemus hampei, was detected in Araku region of Alluri Sitarama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh, barely 10 km from Odisha border and has already caused extensive damage to coffee crops. The tiny black insect bores into the coffee berry, destroying the seed, reducing both quality and yield.
While the AP government mobilised experts from the Central Coffee Board, Andhra Agricultural University and around 500 personnel from different organisations to control the outbreak, Koraput farmers say no preventive measure has yet been taken on this side of the border.
Farmers from Koraput, Pottangi, Nandapur and Lamtaput blocks have voiced their apprehension. In Kotiaguda village of Padmapur panchayat, where about 50 tribal families grow coffee on 40 acre of land, cultivators said they have been left in the dark.
“We don’t know anything about this pest. The government must act fast to prevent it from spreading to Koraput,” said Gurudev Majhi, a tribal farmer. Another grower, Ruoadhar Majhi, sought immediate preventive steps.
Central Coffee Board’s senior liaison officer in Koraput, Upendra Saha confirmed that the Coffee Berry Borer has been reported from Thuraiguda, Pakhanaguda and Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh.
“Farmers are strictly advised not to transport or exchange coffee fruits, beans or raw material from the affected areas. An awareness programme would soon be organised with the help of scientific experts,” he informed.
Koraput’s unique agro-climatic conditions make its coffee highly valued nationally and internationally. Currently, coffee is cultivated over 2,759 hectare across remote areas of the district, including plantations close to the Andhra border. The board also maintains official plantations in 369.77 hectares.
Farmers warn that unless immediate awareness, training and pest-control measures are deployed in Koraput, spread of Coffee Berry Borer could threaten both the livelihood of thousands of tribal families and the reputation of Koraput coffee.