Coffee harvest to be advanced this year

Coffee is likely to be harvested early, almost a month in advance, this crop year (2008-09).

Coffee is normally harvested from December to February. Robusta is harvested during December-January, while Arabica is harvested during the January - February period.

As the coffee-growing areas of Chikmagalur, Hassan and Kodagu in Karnataka had early rains during the February - March period and this was followed by a few showers every month, the region had conditions conducive for early harvest.

After early rains and timely blossom showers, the coffee region got monsoon showers on time. The region then had a long dry spell before the revival of monsoon during the last two to three weeks.

A few growers and farm gate traders confirmed the development, and said, “Production in Kodagu may fall 10 per cent over last year as it rained continuously on the blossom day.”

Now the planters in the region, having received adequate rains, will be able to harvest early. Keeping this in mind, the Coffee Board is likely to maintain its post-blossom crop forecast of 293,000 tonne.

As per the Coffee Board post-blossom forecast, Arabica and Robusta break up is 100,000 tonne and 193,000 tonne respectively. This crop year (2008-09), Arabica production is said to be higher by 7,500 tonne (8.11 per cent) and Robusta 23,500 tonne (13.86 per cent) over the post-monsoon forecast of 2007-08.

Statewise production post-blossom forecast is as follows: Karnataka’s total production 214,170 tonne (81,270 tonnes of Arabica and 132,900 tonnes of Robusta), Kerala is placed at 57,200 tonne, Tamil Nadu 16,625 tonnes and from non-traditional areas like Andhra Pradesh and Orissa and North Eastern Region, 5,005 tonne.

Now the industry is waiting for Brazil’s harvest to determine the crop size. Presently, about 65 per cent of the crop has been picked as against 82 per cent last year. Brazil’s crop size, which is said to be 45.5 million bags (60 kg) is expected to determine the future prices.

B L Harish, proprietor of Blan Coffee, Kushalnagar said, “Early harvest will help growers get high prices this year too. Presently, Arabica coffee futures for December and March delivery on ICE (New York) is trading around 135-145 cents per pound to 145 per pound. While Robusta at London is trading over US cents 100 per pound (in $2,200 - 2,400 per tonne).”