Domestic consumption of Coffee to rise by 50 per cent in 11th Plan

Bangalore, Feb 16 (UNI) Consumption of Coffee in domestic market in India will be increased by 50 per cent during the Eleventh five year plan, said Coffee Board Chairman G V Krishna Rau.

In a chat with newsmen here, he said that 80,000 tons of Coffee was consumed in the domestic market now out of total production of 2,75,000 tons. The total consumption by the end of 11th plan was expected to be around 1,20,000 tons out of total 3,30,000 tons, he revealed.

Replying to queries, he said the Board was working on a major investment proposal during the 11th plan to implement weather related insurance scheme to Coffee growers across the country. The idea was to implement the scheme before the onset of blossom showers but could not be done as the proposal was not cleared by the centre as yet. However, he hoped that it would be implemented before monsoon.

He said the State Bank of India Capital Market wing had finalised a market study report comprising various formulations with regard to providing special package for rejuvenation of Coffee plants on the lines of one announced for tea plantation. The proposal was to cover an area of 80,000 hectares of Coffee plantation out of 3,50,000 hectares. Nearly 40,000 hectares would be covered under the 11th plan and the remaining 40,000 hectares in subsequent plans, he explained.

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