Coffee came by chance but stayed by choice

The blog has everything you need to know about coffee and by the end of it, your love for it will grow.

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In terms of coffee production, India ranks among the top 10 countries. Over 2.5 lakh Indian growers earn their living from coffee production, which happens to be one of the best in the world.

But how the journey of growth began in India?

It all began with the planting of seven seeds of 'Mocha' by the legendary holy man Baba Budan during 1600 AD in the courtyard of his hermitage on 'Baba Budan Giris' in Karnataka. They remained as curious plants in gardens for quite some time, then spread slowly to backyard gardens.

As a result of British entrepreneurs' success in conquering South India's hostile forest terrain, commercial plantations of coffee were started during the 18th century. Since then, there was no looking back, the Indian coffee industry has made rapid strides and has earned a unique place on the world coffee map.

If we could map the countries that have the maximum production of coffee, these 5 cities will be on top.

The Western Ghats of India spread over Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the land on which coffee is traditionally grown. Coffee farming is also expanding rapidly in the non-traditional regions of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha as well as in the northeastern states.

Odisha

Odisha is one of India's top coffee-producing states with an annual output of 550 metric tonnes. The coffee grown in Odisha is Arabica, which needs moderate temperatures and high rainfall to thrive. Koraput, Rayagada, Phulbani, and Keonjhar are the main coffee-producing regions in Odisha. It has an altitude of 900-1100 meters.

Andhra Pradesh

In the top five coffee-producing states in India, Andhra Pradesh, with 7,425 metric tonnes of Arabica and Robusta beans, takes fourth place. The coffee plantations are done at an altitude of 900-1100 metres. The regions of Visakhapatnam and Godavari East districts like Chintapalli, Paderu and Maredumilli cultivate coffee in Andhra Pradesh.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is the next state on this list, which produces close to 17,875 Metric Tonnes of coffee annually. A large producer of coffee, it accounts for over 5% of the country's total coffee supply. In the state, Arabica and Robusta coffee beans are the most commonly produced. There are four primary coffee-growing districts in Tamil Nadu: Pulneys, Nilgris, Salem, and Coimbatore. Pulneys produces the most coffee out of these four places with more than 7600 metric tons produced annually. The favourable altitude of the plantation is 1000- 1400 meters.

Kerala

The southernmost state of Kerala is the second-largest coffee-producing state in India with a production that accounts for 67,700 metric tonnes. It comprises more than 20% of India's total coffee output. Robusta coffee comprises the majority of all coffee production in Karnataka, with a yearly output of over 65,000 metric tonnes. In contrast, Arabica coffee is produced in much smaller quantities at approximately 2,055 metric tonnes. Kerala's primary coffee-producing areas are Wayanad and Travancore, which produce more than 95% of the state's total coffee crop. There are other coffee-producing areas in Kerala like Nelliampathies, Kozhikode, Palakkad and Malappuram but to a lesser extent. Kerala's coffee plants are grown at high altitudes around 1,200 meters.

Karnataka

Among all Indian coffee-producing states, Karnataka leads the way with over 70% of the country's total coffee output, producing 2.33 lakh metric tons annually.

Robusta beans make up the majority of Karnataka's 2.33 lakh metric tons of coffee harvest annually - usually 1.58 lakh metric tons, whereas Arabica is grown in 74,755 metric tonnes annually.

Karnataka has a significant amount of coffee plantations, covering more than 60% of the total amount of coffee-cultivated land in India. The majority of these plantations are located at high altitudes of around 1,300 meters above sea level.

A majority of the Karnataka coffee is grown in Kodagu, which makes up more than 50% of the total production. Mysore, Kodagu, Chikmagalur and Hassan and Shimoga are some other notable coffee-growing regions in Karnataka. Its high yields per hectare, averaging more than 1,000 kilograms, also make Karnataka one of the best agricultural states in the country. A large-scale coffee crop is grown in the state because of its favorable climate and temperature conditions.

Coffee affairs across the globe

Coffee has become successful in leaving a footprint on the global map, and export has proved it right. This is a mainly export-oriented product and 65-70% of the coffee produced in the country is exported while the remaining is consumed domestically.

It is exported to countries such as Italy, Germany, Turkey, Belgium, the Russian Federation, the United States and Australia, representing more than 70% of national output.

Not only in terms of taste or becoming a favourite beverage, but it has also created a meaningful impact on the employment sector. Coffee has created a high level of employment. This is obvious because more than six lakh people are directly employed and an equal number of people obtain indirect employment in this sector.

Indian coffee has acquired a niche in the international market, earning a high premium, especially on Indian Robusta as it is well received due to its great blending quality.

No one ever thought back then that a few berries can bring a remarkable change in the decades to come.

A special mention to all the farmers who are working tirelessly so that we can enjoy our cup of coffee.

Didn’t we tell you the love will eventually “GROW?