By the states, the production gain has mainly come from Karnataka to the tune of 37,200 MT (17.62%) followed by Non Traditional Areas with 1,720 MT (22.16%). In Karnataka, the major increase in production is being contributed by Robusta by 34,940 MT (87%) while in NTAs the major contribution is from Arabica.
Kerala state is recording an increase to the tune of 2,200 MT (3.30%) contributed by both Arabica and Robusta equally. Only in Tamil Nadu a drop in production of 900 MT (-4.79%) is forecasted in comparison to the final estimated crop of 2013-14 season.
In Karnataka, all the three districts recorded increase in production over the previous year’s (2013-14) final harvested crop with Robusta recording a highest increase of 26.34% followed by 2.88% increase in Arabica. Among the districts, Kodagu recorded highest increase of 21,290 MT (19.03%) followed by Chikmagalur with 12,280 MT (17.83%) and Hassan with 3,630 MT (11.96%).
In Kodagu district, the increase mainly accrued from Robusta (22,180 MT) while Arabica showed a small drop of 890 MT. In Chikmagalur district also, the main increase is reported from Robusta (9,360 MT) while Arabica is also showing an increase of 2,920 MT. In Hassan district also, main increase has come from Robusta (3,400 MT) and a marginal increase of 230 MT in Arabica.
Accounting this, the crop forecast for Karnataka is placed at 80,700 MT of Arabica and 167,600 MT of Robusta totaling 248,300 MT.
The Kerala coffee zones also have received adequate and timely blossom and backing showers during this year. Accounting this the post blossom estimates for the 2014-15 is placed at 68,875 MT, which is an increase of 2,200 MT (3.30%) mainly from Robusta over the previous 2013-14 final estimate of 66,675 MT.
The Tamil Nadu Post Blossom forecast for this year is placed at 17,875 MT which is an overall marginal decline of 900 MT (-4.79%) against the previous year’s final estimated crop of 18,775 MT. The major drop is reported from Shevroys (-1,175MT) and Nilgiris zones (-375MT), while the Pulneys zone has recorded an increase of 650MT.
In Non-Traditional areas of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa and North Eastern Region, the post-blossom forecast is placed at 9,700 MT as against previous final estimate of 7,950 MT. The higher forecast has come mainly from Andhra Pradesh and Orissa due to increase in bearing area.
Source: Coffee Board of India
