The government has chosen to revisit the terms of the Coffee Act of 1942, noting that several of its requirements have grown obsolete over time and are therefore jeopardising its coffee trade prospects. It has been announced that more specific legislation would be introduced in its stead.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed this at a review meeting with coffee industry stakeholders on September 18 at the offices of the Coffee Board in Bengaluru. He also threw out any fears that the government wanted to wind down the organisation. Instead, he stated that the Coffee Board would be brought under the Ministry of Agriculture’s control.
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The minister told representatives from the coffee industry that all of the provisions in the Coffee Act that are restrictive and regulatory and are harming the industry will be repealed. In their place, a simple bill that is in line with the current needs of the industry will be introduced. Official sources added that strategies of expanding production, exports, and providing higher returns for the commodity were also addressed with industry players during the conference.
The minister was concerned by the coffee producers about the loss of their lands as part of bank notifications made under the SARFAESI Act that permits banks to purchase property to retrieve unpaid loans. the minister was concerned. The minister encouraged farmers to speak and find a solution to the problem with other ministries as soon as possible.
