The glorious journey of Coffee Research has begun in 1925, in the name of Coffee Experiment Station at Balehonnur under the erstwhile Mysore government. A legendry scientist, Dr. Leslie C. Coleman the then Director of Agriculture was assigned the task of finding out solution to the leaf rust disease of Coffee. The small beginning now stands tall as Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI). The Coffee in India, planted with faith of 7 seeds is marching towards a hope of 7 lakh tonnes. The CCRI continues to be a ray of hope uplifting the lives of lakhs of farmers and stakeholders.

Indian Coffee Industry and United Planters' Association of Southern India (UPASI)

The United Planters' Association of Southern India (UPASI) was established in 1893 as an apex body to represent the common interests of planters of various plantation crops including coffee across South India (Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu). Over its 131-year history, UPASI has played a pivotal role in advancing key crops while also contributing to scientific and economic research, market promotion, industrial relations, scientific research, and infrastructure development. Relationship of UPASI with the coffee industry is historically significant, playing a crucial role in scientific research, policy advocacy, and infrastructure development

Historical Role of UPASI in the Indian Coffee Industry:

The UPASI's association with the coffee industry began in an era when coffee was one of the primary crops in the region, even predating the widespread cultivation of tea in some areas

• Early Scientific Support: As the coffee industry faced challenges from pests and diseases like leaf rust, the UPASI and its affiliated district associations championed the need for scientific intervention. This led to collaboration with government scientific officers (such as Dr. L.C. Coleman and Rudolph Anstead) who made significant strides in controlling diseases and pests like black rot, scale insects, and stem borer in coffee
• Establishment of Research Facilities: UPASI supported the establishment of dedicated research facilities, including a Coffee Experimental Station in Sidapur and later a Coffee Research Station in Mysore (now Karnataka), to provide research and innovation support tailored to coffee cultivation
• Infrastructure Development: The association played a key role in improving the physical infrastructure of plantation areas, such as roads and railways, which were essential for the efficient movement of coffee and other goods to markets
• Advocacy and Representation: The UPASI served as the consistent voice for planters to local, state, and national governments, advocating for policies that benefited the industry, such as favorable land tax policies and support for exhibitions of plantation products

Contemporary connection:

Presently, the UPASI is serving as a premier representative body for plantation crops including coffee, focusing on sustainability, profitability, and innovation.

• Policy Advocacy: UPASI actively engages with government bodies and policymakers on critical issues like export incentives and income tax rules that impact coffee farmers' profitability and the feasibility of value-addition activities.
• Research & Development: The association is also promotes research into climate-smart agricultural practices and disease management to ensure sustainability of the sector.
• Market Promotion: UPASI works to enhance the reputation of Indian coffee globally through branding efforts, participation in trade fairs, and promoting quality and sustainability standards.
• Owing to UPASI's contribution, the coffee cultivation rapidly was expanded in regions like the Nilgiris and Wayanad. The efforts of UPASI and the planters contributed to the transformation of South India, especially Malabar, into a major hub for the global plantation economy.