Karnataka Coffee Sector Welcomes New Association Leaders

In a significant development for India’s coffee sector, M Salman Baseer has been elected as the new Chairman of the Karnataka Planters Association (KPA) — one of the most influential growers’ bodies in the country. M C Kariappa has taken charge as Vice Chairman following elections held during the KPA’s 67th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Chikmagaluru on November 18, 2025. This leadership transition comes at a crucial time as Karnataka’s coffee industry grapples with challenges ranging from climate unpredictability to labour shortages and international market pressures.

The Role and Importance of KPA

The Karnataka Planters Association (KPA) serves as the apex representative body for coffee growers in Karnataka — a state that contributes over 70% of India’s total coffee production.

KPA plays a pivotal role in,

• Policy advocacy on behalf of planters
• Liaising with Coffee Board of India and state/federal ministries
• Facilitating research, exports and training
• Promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible practices

As the backbone of India’s coffee economy, Karnataka’s growers rely on KPA to voice their concerns and safeguard their interests in both domestic and global markets.

Meet the New Leadership

M Salman Baseer – Chairman

Baseer brings to the role years of grassroots experience and is known for championing issues of price realization, export incentives, and sustainable farming. Under his leadership, the KPA is expected to push for reforms in trade policies, better market access, and technological support for small and medium coffee estates.

M C Kariappa – Vice Chairman

Kariappa is recognized for his work in agroforestry and plantation ecosystem management. His presence in the leadership team strengthens KPA’s focus on climate-resilient coffee cultivation, a pressing need given Karnataka’s changing weather patterns.

Executive Committee Members

Alongside the top leadership, the following members were elected to the KPA Executive Committee,

• Yeshwant R Gurjer
• Sameer Gurjer
• A P Rajaram
• A Namitha Rao
• P M Pavan Monnappa
• K P Appaiah
• A Nanda Belliappa
• Krishanth Chowdlu

This committee reflects a balanced blend of experience and innovation, signaling an intent to diversify strategy and bring inclusive representation within Karnataka’s plantation community.

Future Outlook

Under the leadership of Salman Baseer and M C Kariappa, the KPA is expected to,

• Advocate for more inclusive policies supporting both large estates and smallholders
• Promote digital tools and AI-based weather and pest alerts
• Work with national bodies like the Coffee Board of India to diversify global export destinations
• Push for higher domestic consumption of Indian coffee through branding and awareness campaigns

This leadership could mark a turning point in modernizing Karnataka’s coffee economy while staying true to the heritage and environmental stewardship the state is known for.

Static Facts

• India’s Coffee Production Rank (Global): 6th
• India’s Coffee Export Share: Over 75% of total production
• Top Coffee Producing State: Karnataka (accounts for ~70% of India’s production)
• Coffee Types Grown in Karnataka: Arabica and Robusta
• KPA Founded: 1958
• KPA Headquarters: Chikmagaluru, Karnataka
• Current KPA Chairman (2025): M Salman Baseer
• Current KPA Vice Chairman (2025): M C Kariappa
• Recent KPA AGM Held On: November 18, 2025 (67th edition)
• Coffee Board of India Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka