IGI Logo

As India's key coffee-producing regions face a prolonged dry spell, concerns mount over the 2024-25 crop's viability. Deficient rainfall, crucial for blossom and backing showers, raises fears of poor yields, particularly for the vulnerable arabica variety. Growers grapple with the threat of white stem borer infestation, exacerbated by the hot, dry conditions, while efforts to mitigate risks through irrigation highlight the urgency of adapting to climate challenges in coffee cultivation.

Prolonged Dry Spell: Key coffee-producing regions in India, including Karnataka's Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan, as well as Kerala's Wayanad, are experiencing prolonged dry conditions, raising concerns among growers about the 2024-25 coffee crop.

Deficiency in Rainfall: India Meteorological Department data shows significant deficiencies in rainfall for major coffee-producing districts from March 1 to April 18, particularly in Kodagu, Wayanad, and Hassan, which could impact crop yields.

Importance of Pre-Monsoon Showers: Timely pre-monsoon showers in March and April are crucial for triggering flowering in coffee buds, known as blossom showers, followed by backing showers, essential for crop setting. The absence of these showers due to the dry spell may adversely affect crop development.

Concerns for Arabica Variety: The prolonged dry spell has created favorable conditions for the white stem borer (WSB) infestation in the arabica variety. Lack of rainfall exacerbates the problem, with growers facing challenges in detecting and managing WSB-infested plants.

Impact on Crop Outlook: Growers anticipate poor arabica yields due to the adverse weather conditions, with temperatures above normal by 2-3 degrees Celsius. Lack of rains weakens plants, affecting both coffee and pepper vines, with implications for overall agricultural output.

Mitigation Efforts: Growers with water availability are resorting to irrigation, particularly for the robusta crop. However, approximately 60% of coffee areas remain vulnerable to the prevailing hot and dry conditions, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and potential adaptation strategies.

Conclusion

The looming threat of drought-induced crop failure underscores the vulnerability of India's coffee industry to climate variability. Growers' concerns about poor yields and pest infestations highlight the urgent need for adaptive strategies and resilient practices. As the sector navigates these challenges, collaboration between growers, researchers, and policymakers becomes imperative to safeguard the future sustainability of India's coffee production against the backdrop of climate change.

Above views are of the author and not of the website kindly read disclaimer