The Hindu Business Line : Fernandes' assurance to coffee growers

REITERATING the Government's stance to help coffee growers ride out the current crisis, the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes, on Tuesday assured that "every assurance that the Finance Minister made in public forums as well as small private group will be fulfilled."

He was inaugurating the 44th annual general meeting of the Karnataka Planters' Association here.

The Finance Minister, Mr Jaswant Singh, had announced waiver of interest on loans taken by the industry when he visited the coffee growing areas two months ago. Later, some confusion arose because of rumours, which said that the waiver was for just one year and growers would have to pay the amount the next year.

Mr Fernandes, who was present during the visit said, "I believe the relief is totally justified and must come". He likened the coffee crisis to a natural calamity and said it would take sometime to come back to normal.

The outgoing Chairman of KPA, Mr A.C. Muthanna, said no notification had come regarding the interest waiver and sought Mr Fernandes' help.

One of the representations made by KPA was in connection with power tariffs. The KERC had recommended an increase in tariff, which would hit the cost of production, he said. On the other hand, the tariff for IP sets for coffee and tea should be reduced, as has been done in the case of coconut and areca plantations, he said.

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