ITDA Takes Bold Steps to Boost Coffee Cultivation and Collection

The Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) is driving a transformative initiative to boost coffee cultivation and collection across 10,300 acres in its jurisdiction. ITDA Project Officer V. Abhishek convened a pivotal meeting on Thursday with coffee Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs), field consultants, horticulture consultants, and key representatives of the Chintapalli Max Society to strategize on meeting ambitious targets for this coffee season.

Key Highlights of the Initiative:

1. Enhanced Coffee Bean Collection Targets:
   ITDA aims to collect 2,000 tonnes of coffee beans from 11 mandals under its jurisdiction and produce 350 tonnes of high-quality parchment coffee.
2. Farmer-Centric Measures:
   • Farmers will receive ₹244 per kilo of coffee berries, a significant increase from the previous ₹43, to incentivize early collection.
   • A 60% collection target has been set to be achieved by December.
   • Transport vehicle charges have been standardized based on mandal distances, ensuring fair compensation for transportation.
3. Reviving Old Coffee Gardens:
   Gardens with 400 coffee plants will be identified, and steps will be taken to rejuvenate aging plants to increase productivity.
4. Expanding Governance:
   The number of board directors in the Chintapalli Max Society will be expanded to ensure representation and support for all 11 mandals.
5. Accountability Measures:
   Abhishek emphasized that any negligence in achieving these goals would lead to strict action against staff members.

Collaboration for Success:

The meeting also included ITDA Assistant Project Officer Venkateshwara Rao, Assistant Director of Coffee N. Ashok, Max Society President Seggi Kondala Rao, Vice-President Gam Simhachalam, and other board directors. Their collective efforts are expected to make this initiative a landmark success in revitalizing coffee cultivation in the region.

This focused effort underscores ITDA’s commitment to uplifting tribal farmers, increasing coffee productivity, and strengthening the region’s economy through sustainable agricultural practices.