Coffee Production in India Today
South India Arabica Map.
India is the sixth largest producer of coffee in the world, behind only Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Mexico. The International Coffee Organization categorizes India's production as "Other Mild Arabica," along with coffees from such countries as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Zimbabwe. Most of India's coffee is grown in the three southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Karnataka accounts for nearly 65 percent of total production, whereas Tamil Nadu contributes approximately 15 percent and Kerala makes up around 20 percent. India's principal Arabica-growing districts are Anamalais, Baba Budan, Biligiris, Coorg, Mysore (Chikmagalur), Nilgiris, Palanis, and Shevaroys.
In the 2001-2002 season, India produced approximately 300,000 metric tons of coffee, of which nearly 120,000 tons were Arabica and 180,000 tons were Robusta. Of this total production, 80,000 tons (mostly Robusta) was consumed domestically, while the remaining 220,000 tons were available for export.
Until quite recently, coffee was a tightly regulated commodity in India. However, the government deregulated the industry a few years ago, and producers are now free to market their coffees anywhere in the world. Many growers now brand their coffees as estate-grown, a move that has also resulted in a significant improvement in coffee quality. The Coffee Board of India, which once served as the industry's regulating arm, now focuses on agricultural research, grading coffees, and enforcing quality standards.