Story of my life - A robusta stump from Banjigerrey Division

I was born in 1923 and established my roots in Banajigherry Division of Cannoncadoo Estate of Consolidated Coffee Limited.

From my birth in 1923 till 1952, I was looked after by British Managers. The last British Manager was Mr. Owen Tipping, Son of Mr. Percy Tipping, the first General Manager of Consolidated Coffee Limited. I first saw Mr.lvor Bull, the Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Consolidated Coffee Estates (1943) Ltd., walking through Banajigherry in December 1943. Since then, he was visiting this Estate atleast twice a year, till he left INDIA in March 1954. I saw Mr. K.C. Appayya, the first Indian Manager, in this Estate in 1953. He and the succeeding Managers also looked after me very well.

I gave my first crop in the 5th year of my existence, with a maiden crop of 1 Kg. Ripe fruits. My usefulness to the Company in terms of yield progressively increased with my age, my record performance being 30 Kgs. of Ripe fruits in the year 1984/85.

During 1924, I was subjected to a very heavy rainfall of over 175 inches and in the year 1961, it was 150 inches, when, in a day, it rained nearly 12 inches (300 mm). Those were periods when it did not just rain — it poured and poured.

I was an youngster of 24 years when INDIA became Independent, in 1947. With the first summer rains in April, I used to produce beautiful white blossoms, whose fragrance filled the air and one could listen to the humming of Bees, besieging my flowers for nectar day and night. When my fruits ripened in the month of February, its Cherry Red colour was a beauty to behold.

I was one of the oldest plants in the Company's Estates. In due acknowledgement of my services to the Company, I was given a respectful and restful superannuation in August 1993. I feel honoured at the role given to me to serve the Company as a memento on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Company, of which I have been an integral part for well over 7 decades.