A New Low-Cost Method of Harvesting Coffee in High-Yielding Plantations

Abstract

A new, simple method for harvesting coffee in intensively managed, high-yielding plantations is described. Long-lasting plastic netting is laid between coffee rows. Berries dropping on the netting are collected about every 6 weeks and processed by a simple modification of the current system. Quality of the coffee produced is equivalent to that of Brazilian "Santos". This new method reduces labor requirements for harvesting to less than one-third, and increases yields of harvested coffee by over 50 percent as compared with the current system, by reducing field losses of coffee. Net profit is increased 2 1/2 times to over $500 per acre yearly with wages of $8 daily. Cost of the netting is $400 per acre. Government credit or subsidies are suggested to help defray this initial cost.