Arabica coffee output headed for a record low

Pest menace takes a heavy toll

Arabica coffee production is headed for a major drop this year, as White Stem Borer (WSB) continues to take a heavy toll on the yield. Planters fear the production would come down to a record low of 60,000 tonnes, if the monsoon situation doesn't improve in July. The absence of rain in July would result in further dry spell, which is conducive for the WSB pest.

According to Karnataka Planters' Association (KPA), the WSB attack is so severe that many estates have removed Arabica trees to prevent the spread. "Arabica coffee plantations in Chikmagalur, Hassan and Kodagu districts are worst affected. We have already seen 20 per cent shortfall in rains in June and if this continues in July as well, then the production will come down drastically this year," said D Govindappa Jayaram, chairman, KPA.

He said the growers could sustain a shortfall in rain up to 20 per cent. But, if the shortfall increases to 30-40 per cent, it will have a major impact on the production. The WSB pest is multiplying this year mainly due to continuous dry weather and scant rains in growing regions.

"We are hoping for rain in July, or else it will be worse. The plantations receive 70 per cent of their rainfall in July and August. This year, there is a shortfall of 20 per cent till now. My assumption is that the rain might not catch up in July and August and there could be a shortfall of 20-25 per cent this year, which will result in White Stem Borer to grow in size and cause even more damage to the crop this year," he said. The severe incidence is due to continuous dry weather from October 2013 to April 2014 and high temperature this summer as high as 38 degrees Celsius during April-May, he said.

The rains were also highly delayed and it rained only during the first week of April. This was conducive to the Borer to be active to breed and spread, he said, adding that the KPA has written to the Chairman of Coffee Board to make a survey of the affected areas and take stock of the situation.

Jayaram said Arabica production in 2013-14 stood at around 80,000 tonnes. The Coffee Board is yet to announce its final estimates for the year.

The incidence of WSB is severe in Chikmagalur, Mudigere and Tarikere taluks, the Arabica coffee growing areas of Hassan district. In Kodagu, one of the largest Arabica growing areas, the entire Somwarpet taluk is badly affected. Reports suggest Virajpet and Madikeri taluks were also severely affected. "It's going to be a disaster for Arabica growers. They are already reeling under very high input costs and increasing wages. If the government and Coffee Board do not take any corrective measures, India might disappear from the Arabica map in the next decade. The production could come down to as low as 30,000 tonnes and remain a niche produce from India," said Ramesh Rajah, president, Coffee Exporters' Association.

The Board should come out with a multi-pronged strategy to tackle the WSB menace, which has not been addressed in the last century, he added.