Coffee
Why it Matters?
India’s coffee exports have increased by about 125% to $1.8 billion over the last 11 years, largely due to a series of measures taken by the Coffee Board of India, according to central government data.
What You Should Know?
Coffee was introduced to India in the 17th century by Baba Budan, who smuggled seven beans from Yemen and planted them in Chikmagalur, Karnataka.
India primarily cultivates two varieties, Arabica (Coffea arabica), known for its mild flavour, and Robusta (Coffea canephora), noted for its strong taste and disease resistance.
Coffee grows best in hot and humid climates with temperatures between 15°C and 28°C and annual rainfall ranging from 150 to 250 cm.
The crop demands well-drained loamy soils, rich in humus and minerals like iron and calcium, with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Coffee is shade-grown in India, typically under the canopy of trees, which protects the plants from direct sunlight and helps preserve biodiversity.
It is cultivated at elevations between 600 to 1600 meters, with Arabica thriving at higher altitudes and Robusta growing well in lower regions.
Karnataka leads in production, contributing 248,020 MT in 2022-23, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
India exports about 70% of its coffee output, with major destinations including Italy, Germany, and Russia.
India is now the seventh-largest coffee producer globally with exports reaching $1.29 billion in FY 2023-24, almost double the $719.42 million in 2020-21.