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India is known for being the sixth-largest producer of coffee in the world. India’s moderate climate and diverse geography allow easy coffee cultivation in the country, but can it be grown everywhere? Coffee needs cool to warm tropical climates, which makes the major coffee-producing states to be Karnataka (71%), Kerala (21%), Tamil Nadu (5%) and Andhra Pradesh perfect to make all kinds of artisanal and specialty coffee. India has been an emerging global coffee market at a growing rate while continuously evolving in all aspects and it contributes for 4.5% of the total coffee produced in the world. There are two types of coffee produced in India - Arabica and Robusta. Let’s begin to explore the various coffee producing states in India and learn about their specialties. These states are renowned for their high quality coffee production.
This is the story of Baba Budan. He was a 16th century Sufi and he stayed in Yemen. At that time Yemen was the sole producer of Arabica coffee and in order to remain the exclusive source of coffee they prohibited people from taking coffee seeds out of Yemen. Only roasted coffee was allowed to be carried out of Yemen so that no one else could cultivate the seeds. But then how did coffee reach India? Baba Budan illegally smuggled seven coffee seeds from Yemen in his beard and brought them to India. The reason behind bringing particularly seven seeds was that the number seven is considered sacred in Islam.
Carrying coffee out of Yemen was an illegal act at that time, but despite that he took a risk and that risk created the foundation of today’s Indian coffee industry worth $473 Million. Baba Budan sowed those coffee beans in Chandragiri, Karnataka after coming back; the first place where coffee was grown in India.
The story doesn’t end there, the benefits of coffee that India enjoys today have taken a little more effort. On the arrival of the Dutch in the 17th century they carried forward this legacy. Want to know how coffee spreads across other regions of South India? The Dutch noticed that the Western Ghats were present in other states as well where coffee could be cultivated and that’s how coffee spread to Kerala and Tamil Nadu from Karnataka. Thanks to Baba Budan and the Dutch for giving India a rich coffee culture. So, whenever you enjoy a cup of coffee, remember it all started with just one man and seven coffee beans.
India produces a total of 3,50,000 metric tons of coffee each year which has been growing immensely every passing year. Out of the total coffee produced, 70-80% is exported to countries like Germany, Russia, and Turkey varying from 2,00,000 to 2,50,000 metric tons making India the third largest coffee producer in Asia.
A huge amount of coffee is produced each year, but in which state is coffee grown in India? Well, the Western Ghats is the hotspot region for coffee cultivation in India. Western Ghats are home to a wide variety of rich flora and fauna making it essential for coffee production. Alongside the optimum temperature ranging from 15°C - 30°C creates an ideal cultivation atmosphere. The high humidity, suitable altitude for both Arabica and Robusta, and ample rainfall of the Western Ghats boost the coffee production of the area. Additionally the moist soil and dense forest make coffee farming much more effective. These coffee farms attract a lot of tourists to Western Ghats which also offers surplus income for the locals.
Major coffee producing states are present in the southern region of the country like Karnataka being the major producer of coffee has a temperature ranging from 15°C to 25°C which is also the same temperature of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala’s average temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C and Tamil Nadu sees a low temperature ranging from 10°C to 25°C. These regions produce the most unique flavours and quality coffee because of the favourable climate and high altitude of the Western Ghats. These top coffee producing states have their own specialties so explore them further to know more about them.
Situated in the heart of the Western Ghats, Karnataka is the leading producer of coffee in India. Its high altitude and tropical climate along with nutrient-rich soil is perfectly suited for coffee production. Among the major coffee producing states, Karnataka accounts for 71% of India’s coffee production making it the coffee hub of India. All these plantation sites are owned by various types of people ranging from small family-owned farms to large companies.
Karnataka is typically carried out at elevations ranging from 800m to 1600m above sea level. The annual rainfall varies between 1500mm to 3000mm. Being the largest producer of coffee in India, Karnataka produces about 2,30,000 metric tons of coffee annually. Some of the major coffee producing districts in Karnataka are Coorg, Chikmagalur, Hassan and Sakleshpur. Additionally, homemade coffee, crafted with care and passion, adds a unique dimension to Karnataka's rich coffee culture, offering a delightful taste of tradition and authenticity.
This “Coffee Capital of India” is known for its Arabica coffee production. The Verdant Hills in Coorg has the perfect climate for producing premium Arabian coffee with its cool climate, ample rainfall and rich soil. Higher altitude regions, such as those found in parts of Coorg, offer ideal conditions for growing Arabica coffee, which thrives at elevations above 1000m.
Another gem of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is known for both Arabica and Robusta coffee production. This region has high altitudes and misty hills creating the needed environment for high quality coffee production. The high elevation slow-down the ripping process which helps create complex flavours in their coffee. Lower altitude areas, such as certain regions in Chikmagalur, are suitable for Robusta coffee cultivation. Robusta can tolerate lower altitudes compared to Arabica and is often grown below 1000m.
Kerala has been renowned for their spices but you might be surprised to know that it is also a well-established coffee producing state. Wayanad, a district in the northern part of Kerala is popular for its Arabica cultivation. About 50,000 hectares of land is used for coffee cultivation in Wayanad. Its hilly terrains and cool climate results in a mellow taste of coffee bean. Higher altitude regions like Wayanad offer suitable conditions for Arabica cultivation. Their organic farming practices helped Kerala become a major coffee producing state.
Coffee cultivation in Kerala is typically practised at elevations ranging from 600m to 1200m above sea level. Kerala accounts for 21% of the coffee produced in India making it the 2nd largest coffee producing state in India. A total of about 2,00,000 to 2,50,000 people are directly or indirectly employed by the coffee industry in Kerala. In recent years, Kerala has adopted sustainable practices and ethical production practices for coffee production to emerge as a top coffee producing state in India.
Coffee cultivation in Tamil Nadu is concentrated in the Nilgiris district, particularly in areas like Connor and Ooty. Even though Nilgiris is known for its tea production, it has started to emerge as a major coffee producer. The favourable climatic conditions in Tamil Nadu support the growth of both Arabica and Robusta Coffee. The smooth profiled Arabica accounts for 60% of Tamil Nadu’s total coffee production. On the other hand, the bold flavoured Robusta totals for 40% of coffee produced in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Coffee cultivation in the Nilgiris district is carried out at elevations ranging from 900m to 1800m above sea level. The harvesting period in Tamil Nadu lies between November and March and then the coffee beans are carefully hand-picked. About 5% of India’s coffee is produced in Tamil Nadu making it one of the major coffee producing states in India. Higher altitude areas, such as those around Coonoor and Kotagiri, are suitable for Arabica cultivation. Annually a total of 20,000 to 25,000 metric tons of coffee is produced in Tamil Nadu.
Even though it is lesser known than the other major coffee producing states in India, Andhra Pradesh has started to emerge as a significant player in the coffee industry. Their biggest asset is the Araku Valley, a specialty coffee production region. Situated in the Eastern Ghats, Araku is full of greenery and it has suitable temperature to produce quality coffee. Differentiating factor of Araku from the other major coffee producing states is that Araku uses organic and eco-friendly practices to produce coffee.
The Araku initiative aims to empower the local farmers and elevate their financial conditions. Coffee cultivation in the Araku Valley is typically practised at elevations ranging from 900m to 1300m above sea level. Higher altitude areas in the valley are suitable for Arabica cultivation. Andhra Pradesh is a high-quality coffee producing state while still being able to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
Q.1 In which state is coffee grown in India?
Coffee is majorly grown in the Western Ghats in the state Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Q.2 Where is coffee grown the most in India?
Karnataka is the largest producer of coffee in India. About 70% of the total coffee produced in India comes from Karnataka. Karnataka produces about 2,30,000 metric tons of coffee annually. The district of Coorg and Chikmagalur are the gems in Karnataka where both Arabica and Robusta coffee are grown.
Q.3 Where was coffee first grown in India?
Coffee was first introduced by Baba Budan in the 16th century who cultivated seven coffee beans smuggled from Yemen in Chandragiri, Karnataka.
Q.4 Which is the coffee capital of India?
Coorg, a district in Karnataka is known as the ‘Coffee Capital of India’ which produces Arabica coffee. Coorg is known for the fruity notes in its coffee beans.
Q.5 Who brought coffee to India?
Baba Budan, a 16th century Sufi had smuggled seven coffee beans from Yemen and sowed them in the soil of Chandragiri hills of Karnataka.
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