India’s coffee cultivation began in the 1600s when Sufi saint Baba Budan brought seven coffee seeds from Mocha port, Yemen, and planted them in the Baba Budan Giri hills of Karnataka. What started as a small cultivation has grown into a robust, sustainable industry supporting over two million livelihoods.
India ranks 7th globally in coffee production, contributing 3.5% of the world’s output, with nearly 70% of its produce being exported. Indian coffee is globally distinct because it is primarily grown under a shade-grown, eco-friendly system.
India’s Coffee: From Baba Budan to Global GI Tags – Key Facts on Production and Exports
Key Production & Varieties
- Growing Area: Coffee is grown across 4.91 lakh hectares, mainly in the Western and Eastern Ghats.
- Leading States: Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu produce nearly 96% of the total output. Karnataka is the top producer.
- Main Varieties:
- Arabica: Grows in cooler highlands; known for its fine aroma.
- Robusta: Thrives in warmer, humid zones; known for strength and high global premiums.
Specialty and GI-Tagged Coffees
India has secured Geographical Indication (GI) tags for five regional coffees, which increases their market value globally.
- GI-Tagged Coffees: Includes Coorg Arabica, Wayanad Robusta Coffee, Chikmagalur Arabica, Araku Valley Arabica, and Bababudangiris Arabica.
- Specialty Coffees: Varieties like Monsooned Malabar Robusta and Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold are highly valued for their complex flavour profiles and low acidity.
The Coffee Board of India (CBI)
The Coffee Board was established under the Coffee Act of 1942. It serves as the backbone of the sector:
- Role: Supports research, quality improvement, and export promotion.
- Research Wing (CCRI): Develops high-yield, pest-resistant varieties.
- Key Initiatives: Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP), facilitating global exposure, and offering export subsidies.
Exports and Trade Reforms
India ranks 5th globally in coffee exports. In FY 2024–25, exports hit a record USD 1.8 billion. Major export destinations are Italy, Germany, Belgium, Russia, and UAE.
Trade Reforms:
- GST: The reduction of GST on instant coffee from 18% to 5% has boosted domestic and international competitiveness.
- India–UK CETA: Provides duty-free access for Indian instant and roasted coffee to the UK market.
- India–EFTA TEPA: Removes import duties on Indian coffee in high-value markets like Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland.
Tribal Empowerment Example
Koraput district in Odisha is noted for its high-quality Arabica. The state’s tribal cooperative, TDCCOL, ensures fair pricing and has launched the “Koraput Coffee” brand, empowering tribal farmers and creating local jobs.
Future Vision
The Coffee Board aims to triple production to 9 lakh tonnes by 2047, solidifying India’s status as a top global player in quality and sustainable coffee.
Question & Answer
Q1. Sufi saint Baba Budan introduced coffee to India from which port?
A) Aden
B) Jeddah
C) Mocha
D) Dubai
Answer: C) Mocha
Explanation: Baba Budan smuggled seven coffee seeds from Yemen’s Mocha port and planted them in Karnataka, marking the beginning of India’s coffee cultivation.
Q2. Which state is the largest producer of coffee in India?
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Karnataka
D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: C) Karnataka
Explanation: Karnataka produces the largest share of India’s coffee—over 2.8 lakh metric tonnes—making it the top coffee-producing state.
Q3. In the context of the IMO Council, Category B represents countries with the largest interest in:
A) Providing international shipping services.
B) International seaborne trade.
C) Maritime transport technology.
D) Ocean environmental protection.
Answer: B) International seaborne trade.
Explanation: Category B of the IMO Council includes countries with the highest interest in international seaborne trade. (Note: The question appears unrelated to the coffee topic, but the answer remains factually correct.)
Q4. Which major trade agreement provides duty-free access for Indian instant and roasted coffee to the UK market?
A) India–EFTA TEPA
B) India–UK CETA
C) India–EU FTA
D) India–Russia FTA
Answer: B) India–UK CETA
Explanation: The India–UK CETA agreement provides duty-free access for Indian coffee products in the UK market.
Q5. The coffee grown in India is predominantly cultivated under which system?
A) Open-sun cultivation
B) Shade-grown, eco-friendly system
C) Greenhouse protected system
D) Vertical farming system
Answer: B) Shade-grown, eco-friendly system
Explanation: Indian coffee is globally known for being shade-grown, which enhances flavour, biodiversity, and ecological sustainability.
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