India ranks seventh in coffee production in the world in terms of quantity and contributes 3.50% to the global coffee supply. However, most coffee grows in South India, for example, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, contributing over 90% of the country’s coffee. Among the South Indian states, Karnataka is the largest producer of coffee, contributing 70 – 71% of the total coffee produced in the country.
Inside the Western Ghats there is a hilly region found in South India, which is said to host the birthplace of India’s coffee. It was here that a Sufi mystic by the name of Baba Budan brought seven coffee beans from Yemen to South India in the 17th century. In this article, we will look at history and cultivation practices used in these coffee-growing regions.
Which District of India Is Known As The ‘Land Of Coffee’?
Chikkamagaluru, also known as Chikmagalur, is popularly called the ‘Land of Coffee’. The district is situated in the range of hills in South Western Karnataka called Baba Budan Giri. Favourable high altitudes, climate and rich humus content, along with the natural canopy of trees, create the ideal conditions for the cultivation of coffee beans.
While Chikkamagaluru may take pride in being the birthplace of Coffee, it cannot claim to be the sole coffee-producing district. In fact, the neighbouring coffee belt called Kodagu or Coorg produces the largest coffee beans in India. Kodagu produces 33% of the total coffee produced in India
The three coffee-producing districts of Kodagu (Coorg), Chikkamagaluru and Hassan together comprise the entire coffee production of India.
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How Much Coffee Does India Produce In A Year?
- As per the given production data of the Coffee Board of India, the data can be summarised as:
- International Position: The production of coffee in India per annum is around 350000 to 352000 Metric Tonnes.
- Ratio: Robusta is in the range of 70-72% and Arabica is 28-30%. Statewise Production: Karnataka contributes almost 71%, Kerala contributes 21% and Tamil Nadu contributes around 5% to the total production.
- Exports: Almost 70-80% of production is exported as coffee from India, and the major coffee-importing countries are Italy, Germany, and Russia among others.
Conclusion
From the seven coffee seeds that were brought to India by Baba Budan, India’s coffee business turned out to be one of the leading industries in the world, which supplies the country with tonnes of coffee. Chikkamagaluru is referred to as the native village of Indian coffee, while Kodagu and Hassan are now recognised as the core regions of India’s coffee production.