Coffee is one of the most popular and widely consumed beverages in the world, with a rich aroma and a range of flavours. In India, coffee production has been a significant part of the agricultural landscape for several decades. The country is known for its high-quality coffee beans, grown in various states across the country.
India is one of the top 10 coffee producers in the world, and the coffee industry is a major contributor to the Indian economy. In 2023, India produced an estimated 3.2 million metric tons of coffee, of which 2.3 million metric tons were exported.
In this blog, we will explore the top 12 coffee producing states in India in 2023, highlighting their unique characteristics and contributions to the Indian coffee industry.
Here, we have listed the top 12 coffee producing states in India. These include major coffee producing states like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The other non-traditional coffee producing states include Assam, Manipur, and Goa, among others.
Karnataka is the largest coffee producing state in India, accounting for over 70% of the country's total production. The state has a long history of coffee cultivation, dating back to the 17th century. Karnataka takes the lead as the largest coffee-producing state in India.
The region of Chikmagalur, known as the 'Coffee Land of Karnataka,' produces high-quality Arabica coffee. The climate and fertile soil of the Western Ghats contribute to the state's coffee cultivation success. The other coffee-producing districts in Karnataka are Hassan, Kodagu, and Tumkur.
Kerala, situated in the southern part of India, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and backwaters. Coffee cultivation is primarily concentrated in the Wayanad district. It is the second largest producer of coffee in India, accounting for over 20% of the country's total production.
The state has a favourable climate for coffee cultivation, with cool, moist summers and warm, dry winters. The coffee produced in Kerala is known for its distinct taste, owing to the region's unique climate and soil conditions. The other coffee-producing districts in Kerala are Wayanad, Idukki, and Malappuram.
Tamil Nadu is the third highest coffee producing state in India, accounting for over 5% of the country's total production. The state has a long history of coffee cultivation, dating back to the 18th century.
The Nilgiri Hills, located in this state, provide the perfect environment for growing coffee. The major coffee-producing districts in Tamil Nadu are Coimbatore, Coorg, and Dindigul.
Andhra Pradesh, situated in the southeastern part of India, has witnessed significant growth in coffee production. It is the fourth largest coffee producing state in India, accounting for over 3% of the country's total production.
The region of Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam district is gaining recognition for its specialty coffee. The tribal farmers of the region cultivate organic coffee, known for its distinctive flavour.
The other coffee-producing districts in Andhra Pradesh are Kadapa, Kurnool, and Chittoor.
While Odisha is famous for its lush greenery and historical sites, it also contributes to India's coffee production. It is the fifth largest coffee producing state of India. It accounts for over 2% of the country's total production.
The state has a favourable climate for coffee cultivation, with cool, moist summers and warm, dry winters.
The tribal-dominated regions of Koraput and Araku in Odisha have become notable coffee-growing areas. The other coffee-producing districts in Odisha are Ganjan and Rayagada.
Telangana, the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh, has also emerged as a significant coffee producer. The Nalgonda district, with its favourable climate and suitable soil conditions, has seen a rise in coffee cultivation. Telangana coffee is known for its mild and smooth taste.
Assam, primarily known for its tea production, has also made strides in coffee cultivation. The state's hilly areas, such as Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills, provide suitable conditions for coffee farming. The coffee from Assam has a distinct flavour profile, adding diversity to India's coffee industry.
Meghalaya, a northeastern state known for its scenic beauty and abundant rainfall, has recently entered the coffee production scene. The state's coffee cultivation is concentrated in the hilly regions of West Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills. Meghalaya's coffee has gained recognition for its organic production methods and rich flavours.
Manipur, one of the northeastern states of India, is gradually emerging as a coffee producer. The favourable climate and hilly terrain of the state create suitable conditions for coffee farming. The coffee produced in Manipur has a unique taste profile, adding to the diversity of Indian coffee.
Maharashtra, situated in the western part of India, has a growing coffee industry. The coffee estates in the regions of Chandrapur and Amravati have been expanding, contributing to the state's coffee production. The coffee produced here is known for its medium body and pleasant acidity.
Goa, a popular tourist destination renowned for its beautiful beaches, is also a coffee-producing state. The coffee farms in Goa are scattered across the hilly areas of the state. The coffee beans produced in Goa have a unique taste, influenced by the region's tropical climate and rich biodiversity.
Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the Himalayas, is famous for its apple orchards. However, the state has also ventured into coffee cultivation, specifically in the Kangra Valley region. The coffee produced here has a distinctive character, with a flavour influenced by the region's cool climate and high altitude.
The coffee industry in India is facing a number of challenges, including low productivity, pests and diseases, and climate change, among others.
The average yield of coffee in India is low compared to other major coffee-producing countries. It is due to a number of factors, including poor quality seeds, inadequate fertiliser and pesticide use, and lack of proper training for farmers.
Coffee crops in India are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, which can cause significant damage to yield. The most common pests and diseases include coffee berry borer, coffee leaf miner, and coffee rust.
Climate change is a major risk to the coffee industry in India. The rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns are making it difficult for coffee farmers to grow and harvest their crops.
Despite these challenges, the coffee industry in India is expected to improve in the coming years. The government is taking many steps to support the growth of the industry, including:
Some of the steps taken by government to promote the production of coffee includes:
India's coffee industry has witnessed remarkable growth, with several states contributing significantly to its production. From Karnataka, which is the largest coffee producing state of India, to emerging coffee regions in the northeastern states, each state has its own unique characteristics that influence the flavours of the coffee beans.
The diverse climatic conditions and rich biodiversity of these regions contribute to the distinctiveness of Indian coffee. As coffee continues to gain popularity globally, it is exciting to see the growth and evolution of India's coffee industry, showcasing the country's rich agricultural heritage.
The coffee industry in India has the potential to be a primary contributor to the country's economy. With the right support, the industry can grow and create jobs for millions of people.
We hope that the blog is helpful enough to give a glimpse of the top coffee producing states in India. If you want to learn more, keep exploring Tractorkarvan.