Chikkamagaluru: At a time when demand for exotic coffee plants from Vietnam and Brazil is growing among planters, with many new-generation growers from non-traditional coffee areas coming forward to cultivate them, Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) has raised serious concerns. The institute has warned that unauthorised planting material could pose a significant threat to the country’s coffee industry.According to CCRI, varieties like TS5, TR9 and TR11 from Vietnam and some Brazilian varieties are being aggressively marketed by private nurseries and individuals, especially on social media, and sold at exorbitant prices.Saplings sold for Rs 115 to Rs 350Planters said the exotic saplings are being sold between Rs 115 and Rs 350 per plant. Arun Kumar, a planter from Koppa, said he had approached a nursery but did not procure the plants due to the high cost. “The nursery demanded Rs 325 per plant,” he said.Coffee Board chairman MJ Dinesh said CCRI had received reports that a few private nurseries were selling unauthorised seedlings, seeds and plants to growers.. “We have sought clarification from them, and suitable action will be initiated if any violations are found,” he said.Pest and disease threatIn an advisory, CCRI Director M Senthilkumar warned that importing exotic coffee varieties without proper government permits and quarantine measures could open the door to pests, diseases and noxious weeds that are currently not prevalent in India. “Any unauthorized plant materials may be deleterious to the whole Coffee Industry. It could spread diseases and destroy the industry,” the advisory stated.Officials said once new pests or pathogens enter plantation ecosystems, they are extremely difficult and expensive to contain and can impact lakhs of growers.No approval, no testingCCRI clarified that the Coffee Board has not authorised or accredited any private nursery or estate to import exotic coffee varieties. The institute also noted that the performance of these foreign varieties under Indian agro-climatic conditions has not been scientifically evaluated. The institute said it recommends any new variety only after multi-location trials across coffee growing tracts to ensure sustainability and economic viability.The Board has urged planter associations, estate owners and new growers to exercise caution and not be swayed by promotional claims. Growers have been asked to verify the authenticity of any planting material with Coffee Board scientists before making purchases.However, some planters questioned the delay in taking action. Deepak, a planter, said thousands of such plants had already been supplied by nurseries over the years. “Only after receiving complaints is the authorised body acting. CCRI plays a key role in the development of the coffee industry, and the authorities must be extremely cautious in such matters,” he said.With coffee cultivation expanding into non-traditional regions, officials said preventing the entry of untested planting material has become even more critical to safeguarding plantations across the country.
