Coffee output likely to rise 6.7% on good harvest

Coffee output in India is estimated to rise 6.7 per cent this year, due to a favourable climate in major producing states.

Data compiled by the Coffee Board showed the post-blossom crop may yield 322,250 tonnes of output for 2011-12, an increase from the post-harvest final production of 302,000 tonnes last year.

Jawaid Akhtar, chairman, Coffee Board, said carryover moisture from previous rainfalls helped the crop grow. Of the total estimate, Arabica output is likely to be 104,525 tonnes, a rise of 10,385 tonnes or 11 per cent from the previous year. The production of Robusta is estimated at 217,725 tonnes, growth of 4.75 per cent from the previous year.

 

In the states, the production gain may come mainly from Karnataka, of 69 per cent (13,895 tonnes), followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu and non-traditional areas. In Karnataka, all the three producing districts are expected to show an increase in output.

Well distributed rainfall during last year helped moisture retention for a longer period, helping produce more bearing wood for the crop. Further, the blossom and backing showers are reported to be normal in almost all the growing zones of Karnataka, though certain pockets experienced deficient rainfall. Good weather and crop condition and relatively stable prices encouraged better husbandry practices. The forecast for Karnataka is placed at 82,250 tonnes of Arabica and 145,425 tonnes of Robusta, totaling 227,675 tonnes.

Kerala’s coffee zones have also received adequate and timely blossom and backing showers. No adverse effect on crop was reported in the growing districts.

Post-blossom estimates for 2011-12 is placed at 69,125 tonnes, an increase of 5.3 per cent (3,475 tonnes) over the previous year’s final estimate. Similarly, Tamil Nadu may show an increase in crop of 1,890 tonnes during the current season, mainly because of the biennial bearing nature of Arabica, as last year was an off-year.

Blossom and backing showers were reported to be normal, resulting in an increase in crop. The post-blossom forecast of Tamil Nadu is placed at 18,540 tonnes, up by 11.3 per cent over last year’s 16,650 tonnes.

In the non-traditional areas of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and the northeast, the post-blossom forecast is placed at 6,910 tonnes, against the earlier one 5,920 tonnes. The higher forecast may come mainly from Andhra Pradesh, followed by Orissa.

Akhtar said the consumption of coffee in the non-south regions had grown phenomenally, with that in the northern states rising by 40 per cent. He called for strategic value addition to create more jobs in this sector.

Announcing a three-day India International Coffee Festival to be held between January 18 and 20, 2012, Anil Bhandari, president of India Coffee Trust said, “The festival will be an opportunity for the industry to unveil outstanding coffees and blends, apart from showcasing cutting-edge products and services of every aspect of the industry.”