India’s coffee sector is gaining global recognition, moving from “Farm to Global Fame” with rising exports and specialty branding.

About

• Origin: Introduced to India in 1600 AD by the Sufi saint Baba Budan, who planted seven beans in the Chandragiri hills of Chikkamagaluru (Karnataka).
• Unique Feature: India is the only country where coffee is grown entirely under the shade of other vegetation (Shade-Grown), making it biodiversity-friendly.
• Key Varieties:
  • Robusta (~70%): Stronger, higher caffeine (Grown in lower altitudes).
  • Arabica (~30%): Mild, aromatic (Grown in higher altitudes).

Production & Trade

• Rank: India is the 7th largest producer in the world (≈ 3.6 lakh MT).
• Export Focus: About 70% of production is exported.
• Performance: In FY 2024–25, exports hit a record USD 1.8 billion, driven by global price surges and demand for Indian Robusta.

Major Growing Regions

• Traditional: Karnataka (Dominates with ~70%), Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• Non-Traditional: Andhra Pradesh and Odisha (Koraput).
• North-East: Emerging plantations in the Seven Sisters.

GI Tagged Coffees (Geographical Indications)

1. Coorg Arabica
2. Wayanad Robusta
3. Chikkamagaluru Arabica
4. Araku Valley Arabica
5. Bababudangiris Arabica
6. Monsooned Malabar: A unique specialty coffee exposed to sea winds during the monsoon, giving it a distinct flavor and golden color.

Success Stories

Tribal Model (Koraput, Odisha): A successful farm-to-cup model with doorstep procurement has significantly raised tribal incomes. The “Koraput Coffee” won the Fine Cup Awards 2024.

Coffee Board of India

• Status: A statutory body established under the Coffee Act VII of 1942.
• Nodal Ministry: Administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Headquarters: Bengaluru.
• Composition: 33 members (including Chairman, MPs, growers, and traders).
• Mandate:
  • Research & Development (R&D).
  • Promotion in domestic and international markets.
  • Implementation of the Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP) to support drying yards and mechanization.