Indian Coffee: In the first half of January 2025, India Exported 9,300+ tonnes of coffee with top buyers including Italy, Belgium, and Russia.

• About: Coffee introduced in India by Baba Budan in the 1600s, planting seeds in Baba Budan Giri (Karnataka).

o India ranks as the 7th largest coffee producer, exporting $1.29 billion (FY 2023-24), up from $719.42 million (2020-21).

• Rising Domestic Consumption: Shift to coffee due to cafe culture, higher incomes, and changing preferences.

• Major regions: Grown in biodiversity-rich Western & Eastern Ghats; key producers Karnataka - 248,020 MT (2022-23), Kerala & Tamil Nadu.

o Top Producer: Karnataka contributes over 70% of India's total coffee output.

• Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP): Focus on yields, expansion to non-traditional regions, and sustainability.

o For example, Araku Valley—20% production growth through tribal collaboration and GCC loans, benefiting 150,000 families.

• About Coffee Production: Coffee mainly includes Coffea Arabica (Arabica) and Coffea Canephora (Robusta).
• Climatic Conditions for Coffee Cultivation: Requires 15°C to 28°C of temprature.

o Rainfall: Needs 150-250 cm annually.

o Soil: Prefers well-drained loamy soil rich in humus, iron, and calcium.

o Shade Requirement: Grows under shady trees.

o Ripening Condition: Requires dry weather for berry ripening.

o Elevation: Thrives at 600-1,600 m above sea level on hill slopes.