Ayoob A, Community Wellbeing
Keystone Foundation successfully organised a one-day Coffee Farmers’ Workshop and AgriStack Registration Campaign at the Nattarivu Padana Kendram, Ellumandam. The programme aimed to enhance the technical knowledge of coffee farmers and to promote digital access to agricultural services, bringing together farmers, subject-matter experts, and local government representatives in a single, action-oriented forum.
Mr. George Padakoottil, Chairperson of the Development Standing Committee of Edavaka Grama Panchayat, inaugurated the programme. In his inaugural address, he highlighted the significant role of coffee cultivation in improving rural livelihoods, and emphasised the need for farmers to adopt scientific farming practices, make effective use of government support programmes, and embrace digital initiatives that can improve agricultural productivity and income.
Monsoon Preparedness for Coffee Farmers:
Mr. Jain Joseph, Liaison Officer of the Coffee Board, conducted the first technical session. He provided detailed guidance on essential management practices for coffee plantations during the monsoon season. These included maintaining proper drainage, conserving soil, regulating shade, and preventing fungal diseases and pest infestations. He also emphasized maintaining the overall health of coffee plantations during the monsoon season. He explained how timely field management can reduce crop losses and improve coffee quality and yield.
The KERA Project
Ms. Anagha, Field Coordinator, led the second technical session and introduced participants to the KERA Project. KERA stands for Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernisation Project. It is a joint initiative of the Government of Kerala and the World Bank. Additionally, she highlighted the project’s focus on promoting sustainable farming practices and improving farming communities’ livelihoods.
Furthermore, the project promotes sustainable farming practices and aims to improve farming communities’ livelihoods. In addition, participants learned about the opportunities available through the project and the procedures for accessing its benefits.
AgriStack Registration Campaign
As part of the programme, a dedicated AgriStack Registration Campaign was conducted to facilitate the registration of coffee farmers on the Government of India’s digital agriculture platform. Resource persons assisted farmers in completing the registration process and explained how the platform would enable easier access to government schemes, subsidies, crop-related information, digital advisory services, and other agricultural support programmes in the future.
Participation & Outcomes
The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from coffee farmers representing the surrounding villages. The interactive sessions allowed participants to clarify doubts, exchange field experiences, and gain practical knowledge from experts.
The programme successfully strengthened farmers’ technical capacity, increased awareness of climate-resilient coffee cultivation, promoted digital inclusion through AgriStack registration, and encouraged greater participation in government-supported agricultural development initiatives.
