Coffee production in India

Coffee production in India is an integral part of the country's economy and culture. India is the sixth largest producer of coffee in the world, with the majority of all Indian coffee being grown in the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

History

The history of coffee production in India dates back to the 17th century when the saint Baba Budan smuggled seven coffee beans from Yemen and planted them in the hills of Chikmagalur, which are now known as the Baba Budan Hills. This marked the beginning of coffee cultivation in India.

Production

India produces both Arabica and Robusta varieties of coffee, but the country is more renowned for its high-quality Arabica coffee. The unique method of monsooning coffee, a process of aging the beans in monsoon winds, is a significant aspect of coffee production in India.

Economy

Coffee is a major export commodity of India, with the majority of the coffee produced being exported to countries like Germany, Russia, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia, United States of America, Japan, Greece, Netherlands and France. The Coffee Board of India is the organization responsible for the promotion of the export of Indian coffee and the safeguarding of the interests of coffee growers.

Challenges

Despite its success, the coffee industry in India faces several challenges such as fluctuating global coffee prices, climate change, pests and diseases, and labor shortages. These challenges have led to a decline in coffee production in recent years.

See also

• Economy of India
• Agriculture in India
• Indian Monsooned Coffee
• Coffee Board of India