Introduction to Coffee

• Scientific Name: Coffea arabica (Arabica), Coffea canephora (Robusta)
• Family: Rubiaceae
• Origin: Ethiopia
• Major Producing Countries: Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, India
• Economic Importance: Coffee is one of the most valuable cash crops and an important export commodity for India.

Coffee Growing Regions in India

India is the 6th largest coffee producer globally, with cultivation mainly in:

Southern States (98% production)

• Karnataka (71%) – Chikmagalur, Coorg, Hassan
• Kerala (21%) – Wayanad, Idukki
• Tamil Nadu (5%) – Nilgiris, Pulneys, Shevaroys

Non-Traditional Areas (2%)

• Andhra Pradesh – Araku Valley
• Odisha – Koraput district
• North-Eastern States – Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura

Climatic and Soil Requirements

Climate

Soil Requirements

• Well-drained, deep loamy soil with good organic matter
• pH 5.5-6.5 (slightly acidic)
• Laterite and red loam soils in Karnataka and Kerala
• Volcanic soils in Tamil Nadu

Varieties of Coffee

Arabica (Coffea arabica)

• Grown at higher altitudes (900-1600m)
• Mild flavor, superior quality
• Popular varieties: Kents, S.795, Cauvery, Chandragiri

Robusta (Coffea canephora)

• Grown at lower elevations (500-1000m)
• Stronger taste, higher caffeine content
• Popular varieties: S.274, CxR (Cauvery × Robusta hybrid)

Propagation and Planting

Propagation Methods

• Seeds (Primary method): Selected from healthy, disease-free mother plants
• Clonal propagation: Used for hybrid and high-yielding varieties
• Grafting (Arabica on Robusta rootstock): In disease-prone areas

Nursery Preparation

• Seeds are sown in raised beds or polybags
• Shade and irrigation are provided
• Transplanting done after 6-8 months

Planting Methods

• Spacing:
  • Arabica: 2.0 × 2.0 m (2500 plants/ha)
  • Robusta: 2.5 × 2.5 m (1600 plants/ha)
• Pits: 45 × 45 × 45 cm filled with compost and soil
• Shade trees (Silver Oak, Dadap, Banana) are planted for protection

Cultural Practices

Shade Management

• Essential for moderate light and temperature control
• Silver oak, Dadap, and Jackfruit trees used

Irrigation

• Rainfed crop but irrigation is needed in dry spells
• Sprinklers or drip irrigation for efficient water use

Weed Management

• Mulching to conserve moisture
• Manual weeding and herbicides

Pruning

• Encourages better canopy and fruiting
• Two types: Formative pruning (young plants), Rejuvenation pruning (old plants)

Fertilizer Application

• NPK @ 120:80:120 kg/ha
• Organic manure (10-20 kg/plant)
• Lime application in acidic soils

Pest and Disease Management

Major Pests

Major Diseases

Harvesting and Processing

Harvesting

• Arabica: November–January
• Robusta: December–March
• Harvesting methods: Selective picking (hand-plucking of ripe cherries)

Processing Methods

Wet Processing (For Arabica)

• Pulping – Removing outer skin using pulpers
• Fermentation – Soaking in water for 12-24 hours
• Washing – Removing mucilage
• Drying – Sun-dried or machine-dried to 10-12% moisture
• Hulling – Removing parchment layer

Dry Processing (For Robusta)

1. Cherries are sun-dried for 2-3 weeks
2. Hulling to remove outer layers
3. Polishing & Grading based on bean size

Yield of Coffee

• Arabica: 700-1,200 kg/ha
• Robusta: 1,200-2,000 kg/ha
• Well-managed estates can yield 2,500 kg/ha

Coffee Marketing in India

• Regulated by Coffee Board of India
• Major Markets: Bengaluru, Coorg, Chikmagalur
• Export: Europe (Germany, Italy), USA, Japan
• Brands: Tata Coffee, Nescafé, Bru, Blue Tokai

Government Support & Schemes

• Coffee Board of India: Research, subsidies, and marketing support
• Integrated Coffee Development Programme (ICDP)
• Subsidies for replantation, irrigation, and organic certification