Coffee Plantation in India

India in the Global Coffee Landscape

Coffee Plantation in India: Coffee plantation in India holds a strong position in the global agricultural economy. India ranks 7th in the world in coffee production and cultivation area. Around 4.45 lakh hectares are under coffee, making it one of the most important plantation crops.

Nearly 70% of India’s coffee output is exported, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and rural employment. Indian coffee is globally valued for its shade-grown nature and sustainable production practices.

Static GK fact: Coffee is the second most traded commodity globally after crude oil.

Key Characteristics of Indian Coffee

Indian coffee enjoys a premium status in international markets. This is due to cultivation under natural forest shade, low chemical use, and integration with biodiversity-rich ecosystems.

India grows two main varieties. Arabica is known for mild acidity and aroma, while Robusta offers higher yield and stronger flavour. Both varieties are cultivated in almost equal proportions across regions.

Smallholders and tribal farmers dominate coffee cultivation, especially in hilly and forested areas.

Historical Roots of Coffee Cultivation

Coffee originated in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia and later spread through Arab traders in Yemen. In India, coffee cultivation began in the 17th century.

Baba Budan, a Sufi saint, introduced coffee to India by planting seven seeds at Baba Budan Giri hills in present-day Karnataka. This marked the beginning of coffee plantation in India.

During the British colonial period, coffee plantations expanded commercially in South India with improved infrastructure and export systems.

Static GK Tip: Baba Budan Giri is considered the birthplace of Indian coffee.

Climatic and Soil Requirements

Coffee requires specific pedo-climatic conditions for quality production. Soils should be deep, fertile, organic-rich, and well-drained, with slightly acidic nature.

Rainfall between 1000–2500 mm is ideal. Arabica grows best at 15–25°C, while Robusta prefers 20–30°C. High humidity and natural shade trees are essential.

Altitude also matters. Arabica thrives at 1000–1500 metres, while Robusta grows well at 500–1000 metres.

Major Coffee Growing Regions

The Western Ghats form the traditional coffee belt, producing about 96% of India’s coffee. Karnataka contributes over 70%, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Non-traditional regions in the Eastern Ghats, such as Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh and parts of Odisha, focus on organic and tribal-based coffee farming.

The North-Eastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland are emerging coffee regions with hill-based plantations.

Role of the Coffee Board of India

The Coffee Board of India, established under the Coffee Act, 1942, functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Its headquarters is in Bengaluru.

The Board supports replantation, productivity improvement, expansion into non-traditional areas, tribal empowerment, and export promotion. It also plays a key role in branding Indian coffee globally.

Economic and Ecological Significance

India produces around 3.6 lakh tonnes of coffee annually and exports to over 128 countries. Domestic consumption has also steadily increased.

Coffee plantations support agroforestry systems, conserving soil, water, and biodiversity. Specialty coffees like Monsooned Malabar and Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold fetch premium prices.

Recent Developments

India hosted the 5th World Coffee Conference in 2023, highlighting sustainability and regenerative agriculture. The country has secured GI tags for seven coffee varieties.

Coffee exports rose sharply, reaching USD 1.8 billion in FY 2024–25. Policy support through GST reduction and trade agreements has strengthened export competitiveness.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Coffee Plantation in India: