Kumaraswamy promises coffee growers to make prompt efforts to resolve their problems

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, has assured coffee growers of Karnataka that he would make prompt efforts to find solutions to their problems, including those caused by the SARFAESI Act. Speaking at the valediction of the centenary celebrations of the Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) at Balehonnur in Chikkamagaluru district on Monday, Mr. Kumaraswamy said he understood the problems being faced by coffee growers because of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act) that empowers banks and lenders to seize and auction borrower’s property after they default on loans. The Union Minister suggested that coffee growers take a delegation to Delhi and he would join them in convincing the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman on the issue. “I will make honest efforts to resolve your problems,” he promised. Responding to the growers’ demand for loans at the interest rate of 3%, Mr. Kumaraswamy said coffee growers, who bring in significant foreign exchange, deserve the benefit. Many large industries received subsidies in crores of rupees, so why not the coffee growers? he questioned. Referring to forest laws that are tough on encroachers, Mr. Kumaraswamy stated the Forest Department officials had been harassing coffee growers, citing various court orders. During his first tenure as Chief Minister, he tried to resolve them and formed a committee of officers under the chairmanship of then Revenue Secretary S.M. Jaamdar. However, the efforts he initiated did not move further after he lost power. On the human-wildlife conflict affecting growers, the Minister recalled that during his tenure as Chief Minister, he began the work to install rail barricades to stop the movement of wild elephants to human habitats. However, the work did not progress after his term ended. Mr. Kumaraswamy opined that twice he became Chief Minister accidentally. He had specific plans for strengthening the farm sector and village economy if he had got a chance to rule the State for five years. Coffee Board chairman, M.J. Dinesh, Sringeri MLA, T. D.Raje Gowda, S.L. Bhoje Gowda, MLC, Belur MLA H.K. Suresh and others were present at the valedictory programme. Published - December 22, 2025 06:46 pm IST

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