MSSRF Hosts International Workshop on Coffee Farming in Wayanad
The International Workshop on "Challenges And Solutions In Coffee Farming: Towards A Resilient And Sustainable Wayanad," jointly organised by the Climate Smart Coffee project and CAbC Wayanad, along with the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), was held on September 29-30, 2025.
The event successfully brought together farmers, farmer-producer organisations (FPOs), scientists, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts. The workshop aimed to discuss practical solutions and research-driven innovations for sustainable coffee production and market-driven initiatives.
Hon’ble District Collector Wayanad Smt. Meghasree D R , IAS inaugurated the workshop and ensured support for the projects . Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Niraj U. Joshi, Area Director, MSSRF, set the stage for discussions on climate resilience, productivity, and market access in the coffee sector.
Dr.T D John Science (Lead of the Climate Smart Coffee project), Dr. Yamini Verma (Director & Dean, RARS), Shri. G. Balagopal, IAS (Rtd) (Project Head of the Climate Smart Coffee initiative), Dr. Rudra Gouda (Deputy Director - Research, Coffee Board), and Shri. Anoop Palukunnel (President, Wayanad Coffee Growers Association) N Gopalakrishnan. Development Coordinator, MSSRF, Wayanad, engaged in the workshop.
The expert talks covered crucial topics such as 'Agroforestry – Towards a Carbon Negative Economy' by Dr. P. V. Aravind, Professor & Chair, Groningen University and 'The Importance of Introducing IoT-based Smart Farming Techniques in Coffee Farming' by Dr. Santhosh Mithra, CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram. Other sessions addressed 'Integrated Pest and Disease Management in Coffee' by Dr. Lishma, Asst. Professor, RARS, 'Pathways to Carbon Neutral Coffee Farming' by Dr. Sruthi K. V., Scientist, CWRDM, Thiruvananthapuram, 'Climate Resilient Coffee Cultivation' by Dr. Rudra Gouda, Deputy Director Research, Coffee Board and 'Carbon Neutral Air Drying Process in Coffee' by Dr. Amar Shanker & Dr. Sachin P., Jain University, Bangalore.
A major highlight was the demonstration of the Advanced Biomass Combustion Device, developed by the FCRC, Jain University Bangalore, which is the core of an innovative coffee drying system designed for efficiency and sustainability.
An exhibition showcasing coffee-based products by FPOs and organizations also drew wide attention, highlighting opportunities for value addition and entrepreneurship. Discussions throughout the day deliberated on the multiple challenges facing Wayanad coffee. competitiveness.
The valedictory function included an address by the Chief Guest, Dr. Anilkumar N, Chairman, Kerala State Biodiversity Board. He addressed the gathering on climate change and how coffee growers can contribute the to the ecological pillars towards climate mitigation practices. 130 farmers from Wayanad attended the two-day workshop.
The Climate Smart Coffee Project, spearheaded by MSSRF with national and international partners, is emerging as a knowledge-driven movement to promote climate-smart farming models. Crucially, it was resolved that scientific interventions and collaborative strategies will be pursued to ensure farmer income security, sustainable production, and enhanced global competitiveness.