New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) Renowned athlete and Rajya Sabha member P.T. Usha on Wednesday expressed grave concerns regarding the escalating crisis impacting coffee growers and laborers in Kerala's Wayanad district during the Zero Hour discussions in the Upper House.

Wayanad, a vital region significantly contributing to India's coffee production and rural employment, is currently facing numerous obstacles that jeopardize the livelihoods of countless planters, Usha highlighted.

The main issue raised was the increasing “human-wildlife conflict”. Wild animals are increasingly invading coffee plantations, resulting in extensive crop destruction and posing threats to human safety.

Usha pointed out that the forests in the vicinity have surpassed their sustainable capacity, driving animals toward plantations in search of food and refuge. She urged for immediate scientific wildlife management strategies in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as well as the Kerala Forest Department, to avert irreversible harm.

Additionally, Usha criticized the “defective crop insurance systems”, which fail to provide adequate compensation in the face of escalating climate challenges such as droughts, floods, and unpredictable rainfall. She called on the Coffee Board to convene a joint meeting of stakeholders to revise insurance policies and ensure timely payouts.

Another pressing issue is the “acute shortage of labor” crippling coffee operations. With Indian coffee plantations relying on outdated manual practices, mechanization has become essential for maintaining global competitiveness.

Usha advocated for the Coffee Board to facilitate the adoption of terrain-specific machinery, modern tools, and an intuitive mobile platform to connect growers with agricultural workers.

She also highlighted the “interference with irrigation” during crucial blossom periods, where local authorities restrict access to even private water sources, endangering plantations. Clear legal frameworks are necessary to prevent such arbitrary actions, she stated.

Looking toward the future, Usha proposed converting Indian coffee farms into “AI-enabled smart farms” by 2030, integrating technology, sustainability, and precision agriculture for future generations.

She noted, “Despite Robusta coffee obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) tag status, growers still lack access to quality assessment and international recognition.”

She suggested annual cupping competitions and awareness campaigns supported by the Coffee Board.