Which State Is the Highest Producer of Coffee in India?

Top Producer of Coffee: India is among the top coffee-producing countries in the world. Among all Indian states, Karnataka is the largest producer of coffee, contributing nearly 70% of the country’s total coffee output.

Which State Produces the Most Coffee in India?

Karnataka is the highest producer of coffee in the country. Karnataka is able to produce coffee beans that are exported throughout the world. Karnataka leads in production due to its growing conditions, which include hilly areas with a cool climate and enough rainfall. 

What Makes Karnataka the Highest Coffee Producer?

Karnataka is located in southern India and has the ecological land of Western Ghats, which is recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The growing districts of Karnataka are stagnant hills of Chikmagalur, Coorg (Kodagu), and Hassan have the right conditions of frequency of rainfall.

Coffee Production in Karnataka

Climate: Karnataka contains a unique set of growing conditions and climate pattern scheme that form the basis for coffee farming. Generally, Kerala has the misty mornings, moist environment, and rainy monsoon climate and relatively cool weather which will foster the growth of high quality Arabica and Robusta beans. 

Land Use: Coffee is mainly grown on hilly, shaded plantations in Karnataka where farmers often grow pepper, cardamom, and other crops alongside coffee, adding value to the land.

Types of Coffee: India grows two main types of coffee: the soft and aromatic Arabica and robust Robusta. Coffee from Karnataka is exported as green beans or as part of blends of roasted and instant coffee, to Italy, Germany, and Russia.

Irrigation: Coffee naturally requires less water than rice, but Karnataka's year-round rainfall and abundant water conservation aids ensure that the water required for Karnataka's needs is limited primarily to the rainwater holding capacity of the soil.

Tradition: Karnataka has a long historical narrative lined with cultural roots of coffee farming.  The coffee story in India started with Baba Budan who carted coffee beans into Chikmagalur. Since then, the people of Karnataka have developed artisanship around growing, harvesting, and processing coffee. South Indian filter coffee has, over time, made a name internationally as well.

Which Other States Follow Karnataka?

These states support India’s coffee industry, but Karnataka remains on top due to tradition, climate, and skill.

The significance of coffee to India

India is primarily an export market for coffee, although demand for coffee in India is increasing. Cafes in urban areas, the gradual shift from the tea-drinking habit, and the preference of the millennials and Gen Z with changing lifestyles and values have continued to impact coffee consumption in India.

Interesting Facts:

Cultural Significance: Coffee is a culture in Karnataka, particularly in Coorg and Chikmagalur, where it is woven into the fabric of local identity. Each indigenous family has their own way of preparing coffee, and the tradition has circulated from generation to generation.

Tourism and Coffee: Coffee estates in Karnataka provide opportunities for homestays and guided tours of coffee plantations. Visitors can see how coffee is cultivated, harvested, roasted, and brewed, thereby developing a relationship with both the coffee and tourism industry in Karnataka.

Employment: Over 700,000 people are employed and dependent on the coffee industry in Karnataka in a variety of roles including farmers, estate workers, sorters, transporters, and sellers. Coffee also supports small enterprises including cafes and roasteries.

Export: In 2023-24, India exported over USD $1.29 billion worth of coffee, primarily from Karnataka.