COFFEE PRODUCTION IN INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Agriculture)

Context: Robusta coffee bean prices in India have surged to match premium arabica beans amid production setbacks caused by drought in key producing countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.

Coffee Production in India

• About: It is the second most important beverage in India, following tea.
• Origin from: Abyssinia Plateau (Ethiopia), it was introduced to India by Baba Budan in the 17th century from Arabia.
• Establishment in India: Baba Budan first planted coffee in the Baba Budan Hills of Karnataka.
• India produces two types of coffee: Arabica and Robusta.
• Conditions of Growth:

o Climate: Hot and humid climates.

o Temperature: From 15°C to 28°C.

o Rainfall: between 150 to 250 cm annually.

o Soil: Prefers well-drained, rich friable loams with ample humus and minerals like iron and calcium.

• Major States: Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

o India contributes about 15% of the world’s coffee. Most of it (about 70%) comes from Karnataka alone. 

o The state’s primary coffee-growing areas include Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Madikeri and Kodagu, according to Chengappa.

• Global Distribution: Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia.