16-August-2024-Editorial

SUSTAINABLE COFFEE PRODUCTION

India is recognized globally as one of the top coffee producers, renowned for its high-quality coffee varieties. However, recent environmental challenges have posed significant threats to coffee production in the country.

Unfavourable weather conditions, including high temperatures, excessive rainfall, and landslides, have led to considerable losses in coffee plantations, raising concerns about the future of this crucial industry.

Status of Coffee Production in India

• Global Position: India ranks as the 6th largest coffee producer and the 5th largest exporter globally, contributing to 3.14% of the world’s coffee output.
• Export vs. Domestic Consumption: Approximately 70% of the coffee produced in India is exported, while the remaining 30% is consumed domestically.
• Production Figures: In the crop year 2023-24, India produced around 3.6 lakh metric tonnes of green coffee.
• Varieties of Coffee:

• Arabica: Grown at higher altitudes, Arabica coffee is valued for its superior aroma and flavor, fetching higher market prices.
• Robusta: Known for its strength, Robusta is commonly used in coffee blends due to its robust flavor profile.

Causes of Declining Coffee Output

• Prolonged Drought and High Temperatures: During the April-May period, extended droughts and soaring temperatures resulted in the scorching of blossom clusters and fruit burn at the pinhead stage, significantly affecting coffee yields.
• Heavy Rainfall: Intense rainfall in July led to several issues such as berry dropping, stalk rot, and wet foot conditions caused by flooding, further damaging the coffee crops.
• Landslides: In key coffee-growing areas like Sakleshpur and Wayanad, landslides caused severe losses to both plants and plantations, exacerbating the decline in coffee production. The estimated yield loss in the coffee belt is between 15% to 20%, with potential for higher actual damage.

About Coffee Production in India

• Historical Background: Coffee cultivation was introduced to India in the late 17th century. While the Dutch played a role in spreading coffee cultivation, it was during British rule in the mid-19th century that commercial coffee farming thrived.
• Cultivation Environment: Coffee in India is cultivated under the canopy of thick natural shade in the ecologically sensitive regions of the Western and Eastern Ghats, recognized as one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots globally.
• Climatic Conditions: Coffee requires a hot and humid climate, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 28°C and annual rainfall of 150 to 250 cm. It thrives in shady environments and is grown on hill slopes at elevations between 600 to 1,600 meters above sea level. Dry weather is essential during the ripening of coffee berries.
• Soil Type: Ideal soils for coffee cultivation include fertile volcanic red earth or deep sandy loam, which must be well-drained to prevent water stagnation that can harm the crop.
• Major Coffee-Producing Regions: The Western Ghats, covering Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, are the traditional coffee-growing regions in India. Karnataka is the largest producer, contributing about 70% of the country’s total coffee production, followed by Kerala at 23%. Coffee cultivation is also expanding in non-traditional areas such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and the North East states.

Impact of Coffee Production on Climate Change

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Coffee production is responsible for 40-80% of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the coffee life cycle, primarily due to mechanization and intensive irrigation, especially in sun-exposed fields. The use of fertilizers contributes to nitrous oxide emissions, and their production requires significant amounts of natural gas.
• Energy Use in Coffee Preparation: The process of heating and maintaining warm water for coffee preparation contributes to the carbon footprint, particularly in regions reliant on high-carbon electricity.
• Waste Management: While coffee capsules can reduce waste and emissions by optimizing coffee and water use, their production and disposal contribute to the carbon footprint unless they are recycled.

Coffee Board of India

• About the Board: The Coffee Board of India is a statutory organization established under Section 4 of the Coffee Act, 1942. It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Functions: The Board, headquartered in Bangalore, consists of 33 members, including the Chairperson, who serves as the Chief Executive. Its primary focus areas include research, extension, development, market intelligence, and both external and internal promotion of coffee.

Conclusion

The coffee industry in India faces significant challenges due to climate change and environmental disruptions.

While India remains a leading coffee producer, the recent decline in production highlights the need for adaptive strategies to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions.

Continued research and innovation, supported by the Coffee Board of India, will be crucial in sustaining the country’s coffee production and ensuring the industry’s long-term viability.