By Neleema Rana George

As we approach World Environment Day on June 5, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on how our everyday choices can contribute to a more sustainable planet. This year’s themes—land restoration, drought resilience, and combating desertification—are critical areas where the coffee industry, particularly through their efforts of Ethically-sourced Sustainable Coffee (ESC), can make a significant impact.

The Vital Role of Land Restoration

Land sustains life on Earth, providing the food, water, and raw materials we need to survive. Unfortunately, over 2 billion hectares of the world’s land is degraded, affecting more than 3 billion people and threatening vital ecosystems. However, through sustainable agricultural practices, coffee farming can play a pivotal role in land restoration. 

Shade-grown coffee, for instance, is a method that integrates coffee cultivation with the preservation of native trees. This practice not only protects coffee plants from excessive sunlight but also enhances soil fertility and reduces erosion. By maintaining a diverse canopy, coffee farms can support local wildlife and contribute to biodiversity. Moreover, the organic matter from leaf litter enriches the soil, fostering a healthy and productive ecosystem.

The Importance of Building Drought Resilience

With climate change exacerbating the frequency and severity of droughts, building resilience against these conditions is crucial. Coffee plants are particularly sensitive to changes in weather patterns, and prolonged droughts can drastically reduce yields. Sustainable water management practices are therefore essential for ensuring the long-term viability of coffee farming.

Efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing water wastage and optimizing hydration. This method is especially beneficial in regions prone to water scarcity. Additionally, rainwater harvesting during the wet season provides a reliable water source during dry periods, reducing dependency on external sources and enhancing drought resilience.

The Impact of Combating Desertification

Desertification is a process where fertile land becomes desert due to factors like deforestation, overgrazing, and climate change. Sustainable coffee farming practices can significantly contribute to preventing and reversing this trend.

Agroforestry, the integration of trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, is a powerful tool against desertification. By planting trees alongside coffee crops, farmers can improve soil structure, enhance water retention, and reduce erosion. Trees act as windbreaks, protecting coffee plants from harsh winds and conserving soil moisture.

Organic farming practices also play a crucial role in combating desertification. Avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides reduces soil degradation and promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Incorporating compost and organic materials into the soil enhances its fertility and structure, supporting healthy coffee plants and creating a more resilient agricultural system.

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

Globally, over 2 billion people rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, yet our current food systems are unsustainable and contribute to land degradation. There are numerous ways to make agriculture more sustainable, and the coffee industry is leading by example.

By developing climate-resilient crops and harnessing indigenous knowledge, coffee businesses can create sustainable farming methods that preserve soil health and increase food production. By undertaking afforestation programs coffee companies can improve the life and health of delicate ecosystems.

In these coffee estates, cradle pits are strategically dug in slope areas to prevent soil erosion. Moreover, stringent soil analysis is routinely carried out to check the PH levels, nutrient composition, fertilizer levels and more. This information enables the estate to preserve soil health. Moreover, a combination of 60% plant litter, 20% domestic waste (including dried leaves, coffee husks and other biodegradable waste) and 20% natural fertilizers are used to maintain soil health.

Governments and financial institutions also have a crucial role to play. Redirecting agricultural subsidies towards sustainable practices and supporting small-scale farmers can promote regenerative agriculture. This approach not only preserves ecosystems but also ensures that agricultural practices contribute positively to the environment.

Protecting Pollinators

Pollinators, such as bees, bats, and butterflies, are essential for the production of three out of four crops that produce fruits and seeds. However, pollinator populations are in serious decline due to factors like habitat loss, pollution, and the adverse impacts of pesticides and fertilizers.

To protect pollinators, it’s essential to reduce air pollution, minimize pesticide use, and conserve natural habitats like meadows, forests, and wetlands. Planting diverse native flowers in gardens and urban spaces can attract pollinators and support their populations. Additionally, creating pollinator-friendly environments in cities by reducing mowing and introducing ponds can help these vital creatures thrive.

In the coffee estates, sustainable beekeeping practices help with higher yields and improved bean quality. Initiatives such as training programs to educate farmers about hive management, disease control and more, play a vital role. Ensuring the abundance of flowering plants to provide nectar is another crucial step. So is ensuring there is no use of pesticides that harm bees or other beneficial insects. Collaborations with agricultural universities to study the interactions between bees and plants keeps a steady pipeline of information flowing which helps refine practices.

Restoring Freshwater Ecosystems

Freshwater ecosystems are crucial for maintaining fertile land, supplying food and water, and protecting against droughts and floods. Unfortunately, these ecosystems are disappearing at an alarming rate due to pollution, climate change, overfishing, and over-extraction.

To restore freshwater ecosystems, it’s important to improve water quality, identify and mitigate sources of pollution, and monitor ecosystem health. Governments and businesses can join initiatives like the Freshwater Challenge to accelerate the restoration of degraded rivers and wetlands. Innovative wastewater management solutions can also address issues like sewage management, stormwater runoff, and urban flooding.

Efficient rainwater harvesting is the norm for good coffee plantation yield. The total water tank capacity across all the estates exceeds 23 crore liters of water – which is used to enrich the crops and the local communities nearby. Check dams are strategically placed to maintain proper moisture levels in the farm’s dry seasons. Areas near streams are treated as sacred ecosystems, and building of farms or cutting down jungle forests near streams is strictly prohibited. The estates are Rainforest Alliance certified, and meet stringent international environmental standards, especially with regard to water conservation. 

Conclusion

As we celebrate World Environment Day, it’s essential to recognize the potential of sustainable coffee farming to address global environmental challenges. Through land restoration, drought resilience, and efforts to combat desertification, the coffee industry can significantly contribute to a healthier planet.

By prioritizing sustainable practices, coffee producers ensure that each cup of coffee supports a thriving and resilient environment. As we enjoy our daily coffee, let us appreciate the intricate journey from crop to cup and the sustainable efforts that make it possible.

The author is Head – Coffee Works and Technology at Kelachandra Coffee.  

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