Coffee output may rise 3.6% this year

India's 2010-11 (October-September) coffee output is seen up 3.6 per cent on year with rains improving significantly over growing regions in July and planters using fertilisers on time, planters and agronomists said.

“Rains right now are good and there are no signs of any pest attacks as well. If all goes well, we are expected to produce close to the Coffee Board's estimate of 308,000 tonnes,” said Anil Savur, secretary, Karnataka Planters Association.

Agronomists at the Coffee Board also confirmed there had hardly been any adverse reports from growers that this year, despite less rains in June.

“When the progress of monsoon had halted for about a fortnight in June, concerns were rising, but now of course the situation is very much normal. Most planters have used agricultural inputs like fertiliser and other controls timely,” said a Coffee Board official requesting anonymity. Last year, excessive monsoon rain had caused many plantations to face near flood situation and resulted in extensive attack of berry borer pest, and leaf and stem rot disease in plants.

The Coffee Board's post blossom projections pegged 2010-11 coffee output at 308,000 tonnes. India is estimated to produce 289,600 tonnes coffee in the 2009-10 season, Coffee Board data showed.