CASH CROPS OF CANARA
Agriculture and horticulture are the main topics for any generation to address. Every individual must partake in food consumption to fulfil their daily needs. Mangalore has played a pivotal role, steering a transition from agriculture to horticulture and subsequently to services.
Cash crops are defined as those grown in fields by producers, readily sold for cash, not meant for subsistence or direct consumption but as a sale for consumption by the whole community. The element of consumption is vital in any agricultural produce value chain, and the demand and supply of any product can vary significantly.
Significant agricultural products like jute, cotton, and tobacco are also noteworthy. The Indian economic structure comprehensively covers a range of spices and normal cereal production, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, and similar items.
Food will always be in its natural form, as evident in crops such as banana and papaya, which are now readily available year-round. This is due to modern techniques and skills employed, with better and better varieties and hybrids of every kind of agricultural produce based on agro-climatic conditions, irrigation, and nutrients.
Regarding Dakshina Kannada, Mangalore has long been renowned for handling black pepper. Written observations suggest that black pepper exports occurred as early as 3 BC, mentioned in Greek records. This historical claim warrants validation, given Mangalore and neighboring communities’ active involvement in promoting international trade in various produce. As for policy, plantation regulation is overseen by the central government in consultation with state governments, ensuring a well-structured growing and delivery process.
One should delve into all agricultural products, numbering over 325 basic species. However, variables, variants, and feature-oriented approaches in each of these contribute to the diversity in the production-to-consumption value chain.
Mangalore has demonstrated expertise in conversion, as seen in the production of beedies using tobacco, tendu leaves, cotton thread, and paper. It has been at the forefront of knowledge in cashew conversion and coffee curing. In the 1960s, intrepid farmers in the district made rapid strides in arecanut cultivation, incorporating research inputs from CPCRI Vittal for coconut in Kasaragod. This led to the development of hybrid cultivation practices that yielded higher returns than paddy. By the 1970s, Bunder Mangalore was teeming with arecanuts, involving ecology, commission agents, traders, processors, baggers, and subsequent trade.
Bananas, pineapples, all vegetables and fruits, and the uniqueness of mangoes are frequently discussed. Currently, tender coconut can be considered a cash crop. Plantation crops, such as coffee and tea, are defined in India. Consequently, the term plantation refers to extensive cultivation undertaken by individuals or groups. Legally, plantations are meant to be production places where regulations for labour management apply. All these activities, including cultivation, harvesting, and marketing, are undertaken by specialized individuals, the producers, encompassing tea, coffee, spices, and similar produce nationwide.
Cash crops yield outcomes when further processed. For instance, coffee beans are roasted with chicory to create blended coffee powder for instant coffee technology. Mangalorean investors transitioned into coffee planters, transforming the town into a coffee curing station. Cocoa was introduced into the Puttur and Sullia regions of Dakshina Kannada. Cadbury India successfully implemented it as a backward integration measure. Campco, as a cooperative, efficiently managed this produce by introducing world-class machinery and continues to handle it successfully.
Novel opportunities are emerging for developing cash crops. Essentially, cash crops are those planted and produced for selling by the producer, not for self-consumption or sustainability.
The daily consumption habits of urban and rural people in our region will shape the future of cash crops. It is now taken for granted that discussions about common or improving beverages are shifting towards specialties, blending nutrition, wellness, health, and value-added components. This encompasses aspects like brands, trademarks, organized manufacturing, national production, packaging and distribution, supermarkets, convenience stores, and home deliveries.
India is blessed with abundant natural resources, affirming the capacity to feed every Indian. Furthermore, the pursuit of comforts and luxuries by different economic classes significantly influences modern-day commerce.
A legal distinction exists when one mentions a plantation crop. KCCI needs to address with organisations like UPASI to extend auction arrangements for tea at Dharwar or Gadag, the centres of Karnataka for price discovery and associate all cash crops in the auction centre.
Mangalore would contribute in knowledge, data and information incorporated as part of skills in trading and commercial geography.
