Exploring Coffee Cultivation in India: A Focus on Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu

India is home to some of the finest coffee in the world, and regions like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are at the forefront of coffee cultivation. These states produce both Arabica and Robusta varieties, each contributing to India’s vibrant coffee industry. Let’s take a closer look at the key coffee-growing regions and their contribution to the nation's coffee landscape.

Coffee Cultivation in Karnataka

Karnataka is the largest coffee-producing state in India, and its districts—Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Hassan—are renowned for their quality output.

• Chikkamagaluru: Known as the birthplace of Indian coffee, Chikkamagaluru cultivates 55,225 hectares of Arabica and 42,357 hectares of Robusta coffee. In the 2021-2022 season, this region maintained a stable production of 97,582 hectares.
• Kodagu: Famous for its lush coffee estates, Kodagu is the largest coffee-producing district in Karnataka, contributing 107,721 hectares in total, with Robusta making up the majority at 79,883 hectares.
• Hassan: Another key coffee-growing district, Hassan covers 40,747 hectares in total, slightly favoring Arabica cultivation.

Karnataka’s total planted area for coffee in 2021-2022 stood at an impressive 246,050 hectares, representing a significant portion of India’s coffee production.

Coffee Growing in Kerala

Kerala is another major coffee-producing state, known primarily for its Robusta variety. Regions like Wayanad and Travancore are at the center of Kerala’s coffee cultivation:

• Wayanad: This district is exclusively focused on Robusta, covering 67,705 hectares in both 2021 and 2022. Its consistent production shows its importance in Kerala’s coffee industry.
• Travancore and Nelliampathy also contribute to the state’s coffee output, making Kerala a significant player in India’s Robusta production, with a total area of 85,880 hectares in 2021-2022.

Coffee Cultivation in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, while smaller in total coffee production compared to Karnataka and Kerala, is unique for its cultivation in high-altitude areas, making its coffee distinct and highly sought after:

• Pulneys & Bodi: These regions produce both Arabica and Robusta, covering 17,194 hectares in 2021-2022. The cool climate and altitude make Pulneys a prime location for growing premium-quality coffee.
• Nilgiris: Known for its breathtaking landscapes, Nilgiris grows 8,705 hectares of coffee, split between Arabica and Robusta.
• Anaamalais and Shevaroy: Together, these regions contribute 9,753 hectares, adding to Tamil Nadu’s total production of 35,652 hectares.

India's Non-Traditional Coffee Areas

In addition to traditional coffee-growing states, regions like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have seen growth in coffee cultivation, particularly in Arabica. Andhra Pradesh alone cultivated 94,692 hectares in 2021-2022, while Odisha contributed 4,424 hectares. This expansion into non-traditional areas highlights the growing demand and adaptability of Indian coffee farming.

Conclusion

India’s coffee cultivation is deeply rooted in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, where ideal growing conditions and expertise have led to high-quality coffee beans. Whether you prefer the robust flavors of Robusta or the delicate notes of Arabica, India’s coffee-growing regions have something to offer every coffee enthusiast.

At Namma Coffee, we take pride in sourcing our beans from these renowned regions, ensuring that every cup delivers the rich aroma and taste that Indian coffee is known for.