New Mangalore Port Trust president Venkataramana Akkiraju, on Saturday, announced that the port, which ranks third nationally in development initiatives, has complete facilities for coffee exports and plans to maintain international coffee trade this financial year.
At a meeting with Chamber of Commerce delegates from Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan districts at Taj Vivanta Resort, Akkiraju discussed India’s economic progress. He emphasised the port’s technological advancement to assist traders.
The administration aims to lower transport expenses. The port processed 45 lakh metric tonnes of goods in 2023-24, with coffee being the primary commodity. Akkiraju mentioned that coffee shipments previously sent through Cochin Port now go through Mangaluru Port. Coffee exports via the port rose by 29% after the Covid-19 lockdown.
Discussing coffee farmers’ issues, particularly workforce shortages, Akkiraju suggested that business owners should adopt mechanisation to prevent port delivery delays.
In its 50th year, the port is adding new features, including five truck terminals, advanced scanners, passenger facial recognition systems, and facilities for container handlers, truck drivers, and personnel.
Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce president BR Nagendraprasad assured continued backing to the port. He was positive about increased port business, considering Kodagu’s status as the nation’s leading coffee-growing area.
Former chamber president G Chidvilas stressed the importance of better road links from Nanjangud-Mysuru and Madikeri to the port. He proposed to include coffee in Indian Army provisions, similar to tea, to increase domestic usage.
Former minister Nagaraj Shetty countered port-related speculation, encouraging coffee entrepreneurs to use its modern facilities, which manage three lakh containers.
Former port officer Navneet Kumar referenced the initial traders’ gathering in Kushalnagar in 1996, noting steady coffee transport since then. He stated the Mani-Mangaluru National Highway expansion would finish by May-end.
Chamber of Commerce officials, including Girish Ganapathy, BN Prakash, SK Satish, MD Rangaswamy, Monti Ganesh, Ambekal Naveen Kushalappa, Ponnimada Suresh, Sunil Muddappa, and coffee entrepreneurs Alemada Harish and Venkatesan from Chikkamagaluru and Hassan districts, attended the meeting.
