Coffee Production in India - Growing Conditions, Types and Top Coffee Producing States

Table of Contents

• Coffee Plantation in India
• What are the Popular Coffee Varieties Found in India?
• Farming Techniques for Coffee Cultivation in India
• What are the Major Coffee Producing States in India?
  • Karnataka
  • Kerala
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Odisha
  • Northeast States
• Future of Coffee Plantations in India

Coffee Plantation in India

Commercial coffee plantation in India began in the 18^th century during British rule. However, the history of coffee production can be traced back to 1600 AD. It is said that a legendary saint named Babu Budan smuggled "seven seeds" of “mocha” from Yemen and planted them in the Chandragiri hills of Karnataka. This became the legacy that helped shape India’s thriving coffee culture.

Today, India is the world's seventh largest producer of coffee, with a total production of 3.6 lakh tonnes annually. The country is also one of the most important coffee export hubs globally, with coffee exports exceeding $1 billion. Coffee is also considered an important cash crop in India that helps provide direct employment to 2 million people and contributes significantly to social and economic development.

What are the Popular Coffee Varieties Found in India?

India produces two varieties of coffee, namely Arabica and Robusta.

The government of India has given Geographical Indication (GI) to 5 varieties of Indian coffee, which are:

• Coorg Arabica coffee
• Wayanaad Robusta coffee
• Chikmagalur Arabica coffee
• Araku Valley Arabica coffee
• Bababudangiris Arabica coffee

Farming Techniques for Coffee Cultivation in India

Coffee plantation is an important crop for plantation agriculture in India. The climatic conditions for coffee in India vary depending on the variety of coffee cultivated. The requirements for growing the best coffee beans in India are as follows:

What are the Major Coffee Producing States in India?

Some of the major coffee producing states in India are Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and many Northeastern States. The coffee production data is sourced from the Coffee Board (Post Blossom Estimate for 2025–26).

Karnataka

Karnataka is the highest coffee producing state in India, contributing over 70% of the national output with a production of 2,80,275 metric tonnes (MTs). The state grows both types of coffee: Arabica and Robusta. Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu (Coorg), and Hassan are some of the state's highest coffee-growing regions. Each of these regions is known for its own unique flavour and high-quality beans. Some of the Arabica cultivars grown in Karnataka are S.795, Cauvery, and Selection 9.

Kerala

Kerala holds the second position as the highest coffee producing states in India, contributing approximately 23% of the nation's coffee production. Kerala produced approximately 85,150 MTs of coffee, with Robusta Coffee accounting for the majority of the produce. Coffee cultivation in Kerala is able to thrive due to the hot, humid weather and fertile soil conditions. The major coffee growing regions in Kerala include Wayanad, Idukki, Palakkad and Travancore. The Wayanad district is especially famous for its high-quality Robusta beans, which are popular for their full-bodied flavour and low level of acidity. Kerala’s coffee estates are characterized by shade-grown practices and intercropping with spices like pepper, ginger and other medicinal herbs, contributing to the unique flavour profile of the beans. The popular varieties grown in the state include S.274, CxR and Peridenia.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is known for its high-altitude Arabica coffee and holds the third position in coffee producing states in India. The state contributes around 5% to the country’s total coffee production, reaching approximately 385,740 MTs. The major coffee growing regions in the state include Pulney Hills, Nilgiri, Salem and Coimbatore. The high elevation, cold weather and fertile soil of the Pulney hills region result in coffee with strong acidity and fruity flavours. The Shevaroy Hills in the state also cultivate notable shade-grown Arabica coffee, which is famous for its delicate flavours. The popular varieties grown in the state include Arabica - S.795, Kent, Cauvery Robusta and Peridenia.

Andhra Pradesh

Due to its rapid expansion in coffee cultivation over the last few decades, Andhra Pradesh has risen to the fourth position among India's largest coffee producers. The annual coffee production output of the state is noted to be 16,550 MTs. The state is recognized for producing high-quality Arabica beans produced in its hilly, tribal dominated regions. Coffee production is concentrated in the regions of the Eastern Ghats: notably the Araku Valley and agency areas of Chintapalli, Paderu, and Maredumilli in Vishakhapatnam and East Godavari districts. These rain-fed, high-altitude regions support organic and shade-grown cultivation. The popular varieties grown in the state include S.795, S.5A, S.9, Selection 4, Selection 5, and Cauvery. The coffee that comes from this region is famous for its rich flavour and chocolatey notes.

Odisha

Odisha, though a non-traditional coffee-growing state, has emerged in recent years as a promising region for coffee cultivation. The production is mostly centred on Arabica coffee, with around 500 MT of coffee production. Coffee farming in Odisha is primarily tribal-driven and organically grown, often intercropped with spices and fruits for a unique flavour profile. Koraput district in Odisha, along with emerging cultivation areas like Rayagada, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Koenjhar, offer ideal high-altitude conditions for growing Arabica coffee varieties. The popular varieties include Chandragiri, Cauvery, and Ruiru 11. The coffee has a rich taste and aroma with mild acidity. In order to promote coffee production and cultivation in the country, the government has also introduced the new coffee mission scheme, with a plan to expand cultivation and increase production to over 20,000 MT by 2030.

Northeast States

The Northeastern Regions (NER) of India, which are traditionally known for their tea, are gaining prominence these days for coffee production and cultivation. These states account for 210 MTs of coffee production across their seven states. Coffee production here is marked by small-scale cultivation, organic practices, and tribal-community work. For example, the Cachar district in Assam is an important coffee-cultivation region. The coffee produced here is characterized by earthy and spicy undertones, with a medium body. Other important regions in the northeast include Mon, Mokokchung (Nagaland), Gomati (Tripura), Ukhrul, and Senapati (Manipur). North East coffee is gaining popularity in domestic and international markets for its quality, organic credentials and unique cup profiles.

Future of Coffee Plantations in India

India is the 3^rd largest producer and exporter of coffee in Asia. India is the 7^th largest coffee producer and 5^th largest exporter among coffee-producing countries. At present, coffee plantations in India are limited to the Western and Eastern Ghats states, such as Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. These three states together account for 96% of the country's total coffee production. Further, 70% of the coffee produced in the country is exported, and only 30% is consumed domestically.

With the increased demand for coffee and its growing popularity among youths, the coffee market size is expected to increase both globally and domestically. Further, the Coffee Board of India has emphasized organic coffee production to meet the demand for chemical-free coffee beans. The government has reduced GST on instant coffee, essences and extracts to 5% to improve domestic consumption and profitability for small processors. Value-added coffee export is being promoted through free trade agreements, like India–EFTA TEPA and India–UK CETA.

The coffee sector is moving forward to achieve the production milestone of 9 lakh tonnes by 2047. Thus, there is a vast scope for coffee plantations in India, so the Indian government should take proactive measures to increase coffee production by enabling its spread in the Northeast region.