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A sudden infestation of the coffee berry borer insect has been reported across plantations in Araku region, threatening to cause severe damage to coffee crops in the region
The berry borer, previously unknown in the Araku region, burrows into coffee berries, laying up to 50 eggs inside each fruit. As the larvae develop, they destroy the beans from within, leaving farmers with unusable produce. (Getty Images)
Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh is famous not just for its scenic beauty but also for its coffee plantations, which provide livelihoods for thousands of families. But a new pest outbreak is now casting a shadow over this thriving industry, leaving both farmers and officials deeply worried.
A sudden infestation of the coffee berry borer insect has been reported across plantations in Araku, threatening to cause severe damage to coffee crops in the region. Known for producing some of India’s finest coffee, Araku’s plantations are now facing the possibility of major crop losses as the pest spreads rapidly.
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Officials from the Coffee Board and local horticulture departments inspected the affected areas, including Pakanakudi village in Alluri district, after farmers raised alarms over the sudden attack. The berry borer, previously unknown in the region, burrows into coffee berries, laying up to 50 eggs inside each fruit. As the larvae develop, they destroy the beans from within, leaving farmers with unusable produce.
What has stunned officials is the speed with which the pest has appeared and the scale of damage it can cause. Coffee growers point out that never before have pests posed such a direct threat to the berries themselves. With coffee being a major economic driver for the region, worth several hundred crores annually, any dip in production could have a serious impact on local livelihoods and the state’s coffee trade.
Farmers are now anxiously waiting for experts to suggest effective control measures. While there is no evidence yet that the pest poses health risks to workers, officials are monitoring the situation closely as they explore ways to contain the infestation before it spreads further.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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