Gaddi Siddalingappa Basappa, an 83-year-old farmer from Kombli village in Karnataka’s Vijayanagara district, has broken barriers by successfully growing coffee on the plains, a region typically reserved for other crops. Traditionally, coffee is cultivated in hilly areas, but Gaddi’s determination and innovative thinking helped him defy the odds. His journey is one of hard work, resilience, and a deep commitment to organic farming. Through his efforts, Gaddi not only proved that coffee could thrive on the plains but also created local jobs, providing hope and inspiration to farmers across Karnataka. His story is a testament to how passion and dedication can turn challenges into remarkable achievements.
Agriculture has always been the primary occupation of Siddalingappa's joint family, which owns 80 acres of land. In 2018, while visiting Shivamogga’s Krishna Nursery to purchase betel nut saplings, Siddalingappa came across coffee plants being grown in the nursery. Curious and inspired, he gathered information and resolved to try growing coffee on his own farm, despite the challenges of doing so on the plains.
Laying the Foundation for Success
Siddalingappa dedicated 8 acres of his land to coffee cultivation. He prepared the land using organic fertilizers and medicines to ensure it was well-seasoned for planting. He purchased 4,000 high-quality coffee seedlings from Krishna Nursery at Rs 8 per sapling and planted them in July 2018, maintaining an 8-foot distance between each plant in a row and between rows.
Committed to sustainable farming practices, Siddalingappa adopted organic farming methods and installed a drip irrigation system, sourcing water from a borewell. The coffee plants are watered three times a week, and with careful crop management, they flourished.
Harvesting the First Yield
In 2021, Siddalingappa reaped the rewards of his hard work with his first coffee harvest. He produced 11 quintals of coffee seeds, which he sold at sales centers in Chikkamagaluru and Mudigere for Rs 11,000 per quintal, generating a revenue of Rs 1.21 lakh. This success exceeded expectations and encouraged Siddalingappa to aim for a yield of 15-20 quintals in the following season.
Impact on Local Labor and Diversified Farming
Siddalingappa’s coffee plantation has not only been a personal success but has also created local employment opportunities. In an area where many laborers from nearby taluks migrate to sugarcane and coffee-growing regions for work, Siddalingappa now employs 10 permanent laborers on his farm.
In addition to coffee, he has cultivated 4,000 areca nut plants, which are yet to be harvested, and 300 teakwood trees planted around the plantation to provide shade. His diversified farming includes growing maize, sugarcane, and paddy on the remaining land, earning his family an annual income of Rs 20-30 lakh.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite being paralyzed, Siddalingappa's determination remains undeterred. His sons—Guddappa, Ramesh, Mahesh, and Basavaraj—have taken over the management of the farm after completing their PUC (Pre-University Course). Together, they have expanded the family's agricultural ventures, building on Siddalingappa's legacy.
Horticulture Experts Weigh In
According to horticulture officials, coffee is a novel crop for the Huvinhadgali taluk. However, they believe that with sufficient shade and a reliable water source, coffee can be grown successfully in this region. Siddalingappa’s success serves as a beacon of hope for other farmers who may consider cultivating coffee in the plains.
Looking Ahead
With a thriving farm producing a variety of crops, and the addition of coffee to his agricultural portfolio, Gaddi Siddalingappa Basappa’s story is a testament to his ingenuity and persistence. His dream of growing coffee has become a reality, and his success has had a positive ripple effect on his community, providing employment and inspiration for others to innovate in their farming practices.
