Shade-Grown Coffee Farms in India: Fostering Biodiversity and Providing Economic Sustainability
- 100 bird species flourish in shade-coffee-grown plantations in states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- Canopies are known to reduce soil erosion by over 30%, a factor most detrimental to coffee cultivation.
- Multi-layered vegetations with natural shading from usually grow up to 20% more carbon than common types of coffee farms.
- More local and international markets promise better investment opportunities.
- It generates more income by adding crop varieties like pepper, cardamom, and bananas.
- Contain all coffee yields along through organic matter supplementation in soil; reduced reliance on chemicals and further price premiums.
- Provides a source of income to smallholders and improves their livelihood, education, and health.
- Programs developed in the communities by coffee companies focus on eco-friendly farming and preservation of the environment.
