Coffee output to dip 22% on untimely rains

Coffee production in India is expected to drop by about 20 to 22 per cent as against the post blossom (April 2008) estimate of 293,000 tonnes for the crop year October 2007 - September 2008.

The fall in production is mainly attributed to untimely rain in the coffee growing regions early part of this crop year and at the end of monsoon season with interspersed drought. This is likely to see coffee production between 220,000 tonnes and 230,000 tonnes.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday C M Pemmaiah, chairman of Karnataka Planters’ Association, said, “Due to untimely rains in the coffee-growing regions, in the early part of this crop year and at the end of monsoon, the total production is likely to come down significantly.”

“The unseasonal rains and nearly two months drought has wrecked havoc in the coffee growing regions with diseases like leaf rust, white stem borer (WSB), berry dropping in most places,” he added.

Confirming the development, Bose Mandana, former vice chairman Coffee Board and KPA executive committee member and a small grower, said, “There are many coffee estates in south Kodagu where the rain and drought has hit production by 40-50 per cent.”

However, Shaji Philip, Upasi coffee committee chairman, said, “It is too early to estimate final production but there is significant drop in the production. Currently, the Coffee Board is carrying out its survey at the grassroots.”