Category Archives: Business & Economy

Kodava Family Hockey Namme turns 25: Stage set for Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival from Mar. 28

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Madikeri:

The Kodava Family Hockey Namme (Festival) celebrates its 25th edition this year, with the Muddanda Cup Hockey Tournament set to begin on  Mar. 28 and continue until Apr. 27.

Matches will be played across three different grounds, with 370 teams already registered for the competition.

Addressing the media in Madikeri yesterday, Kodagu Hockey Academy President Pandanda K. Bopanna noted that while 360 teams participated in last year’s Kundyolanda Hockey Fest, this year’s registrations have already reached 370, with a few more days left for additional entries.

He announced that the inaugural ceremony will feature an exhibition match between Kodagu Hockey Academy XI and Karnataka XI.

Tournament Director Badakada Deena Poovaiah and Coordinator Muddanda Roy Thammaiah will oversee the event.

Cheppudira Cariappa will serve as the main commentator, assisted by Maletira Srinivas, while Kecchettira Prasanna will be in charge of match coordination. The inauguration will also include a special felicitation ceremony honouring the Kundyolanda family, which achieved a Guinness World Record last year.

Umpire training

Hockey Academy Working President Mekerira Ravi Pemmaiah revealed that a training programme for hockey umpires will be conducted on Mar. 19 and 20 at Cauvery College, Virajpet, urging young hockey enthusiasts to participate.

Academy Vice-President Kukkera Jaya Chinnappa stated that several dignitaries, including Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MLC M.P. Suja Kushalappa, Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Maken, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Vekatraja, and Kodagu SP K. Ramrajan, will attend the grand opening ceremony.

Kreeda Jyothi

Muddanda Hockey Festival Chairman Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah confirmed that matches will take place at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds and the Police Parade Grounds. As part of the festival’s silver jubilee celebrations, a special ‘Kreeda Jyothi’ (Sports Torch) marathon will be held, visiting the Ainmanes (ancestral homes) of Kodava families.

The marathon will commence at 8 am on Mar. 25 from the Ainmane of the Pandanda family in Karada village, the pioneers of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

It will pass through eight Ainmanes in Ponnampet and surrounding areas before concluding on Mar. 28. On the inaugural day, a rally carrying the sports torch will proceed from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, flagged off by MLA A.S. Ponnanna.

To commemorate 25 years of the festival, a women’s hockey tournament has been introduced as part of the Muddanda Hockey Festival. So far, 30 women’s teams have registered, and more entries are expected before the Apr. 10 deadline.

The women’s matches will be played at the Police Parade Grounds in Madikeri. Star Indian hockey players Lalremsiami Hmarzote from the women’s national team and Indian men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh will visit Madikeri during the tournament.

Matrimonial meet

The festival will also feature a thand-bendhu (matrimonial meet) and a quiz competition at the venue. A special cyclothon is scheduled for Apr. 26, and DJ music will entertain spectators from the pre-quarterfinal stage through the final.

An open ‘Maja Run’ from Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle has also been planned as part of the celebrations. Parking arrangements have been made for 2,000 vehicles, and Bengaluru-based Vandana Trust will assist in waste management throughout the month-long event.

Additionally, a shooting competition will be held on Apr. 20 at Ground No. 2, featuring three categories: 50-metre .22 rifle shooting, 30-metre 12-bore gun shooting, and 15-metre air rifle egg shooting. A traditional coconut shooting competition will also be organised.

Muddanda Family President Muddanda B. Devaiah urged members of the Kodava community to participate in large numbers in the rally from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 16th, 2025

All homestays in Kodagu district should be mandatorily registered: DC

Business & Economy, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , ,

There are around 3,500 homestays in Kodagu district. Of them, 2,269 have got registered so far, says Anita Bhaskar, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism, Kodagu.

The Kodagu district administration has directed owners of homestays in the district to mandatorily register themselves with the Tourism Department.

Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu Venkat Raja, who convened a meeting of representatives of hotels, resorts, homestays, and travel agencies in Madikeri recently to discuss the measures to ensure the safety of tourists, said the process of registering the homestays had been simplified.

Given the simplified process of registration, verification and certification is completed within a short period, he said.

Anita Bhaskar, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism, Kodagu, said there were around 3,500 homestays in Kodagu district. Of them, 2,269 have got registered so far.

Meanwhile, Mr. Venkat Raja said the details of all the registered homestays should be made available online for easy access. The district administration aims to register all the homestays in the district and even facilitate online registration by paying a fee of ₹500, he said.

The Deputy Commissioner warned of strict legal action against unregistered homestays if any illegal activity or untoward incidents occur on their premises. He said the homestay owners in remote or forest areas would be held accountable for incidents involving their guests if they had not obtained prior approval from the police or forest departments.

Security

While issuing directions for the installation of CCTV cameras, posting of home guards or security personnel, and ensuring adequate lighting and illumination at night for the safety of the guests at all hotels, resorts, and homestays, Mr. Venkat Raja also directed the executive officers of taluk panchayats and tahsildars to hold regular meetings to ensure that these tourist facilities are complied with the government directives before issuing them trade licenses.

He also emphasised the need for heightening security measures in border areas of the district like Chelavara, Iruppu, and Dubare. The district administration has also emphasised the need to prioritise the safety of women and children at their facilities and tourist destinations.

The authorities said the tourists can contact the district police helpline at 94808-04900 or the District Disaster Management unit at 08272-221077 in case of emergencies.

The district administration has also shared the circular dated March 10, 2025, issued by the Additional Chief Secretary, on safety measures to be enforced for the safety of tourists.

Among other things, the circular pointed out that prior approval from the police must be obtained before taking tourists to remote or isolated areas, and tourists should be made aware of local culture, safety risks, and legal aspects. Only registered transport services for taxis and ride-share apps should be used.

The safety protocols for tourists include that they avoid displaying expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash, use digital payment methods (UPI, cards) instead of carrying large amounts of cash, avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transaction, use a VPN for secure Internet access, and exercise caution in remote areas, forests, and near water bodies.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / March 14th, 2025

Jawai, Tadoba, And Coorg In India To Elevate Luxury Hospitality With Stone Wood Hotels Six New Resorts

Business & Economy, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , , , ,

Jawai, Tadoba, and Coorg in India welcome Stone Wood Hotels’ expansion with six new luxury resorts in 2025, blending premium hospitality with nature.

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, a rapidly growing hospitality brand renowned for its boutique and immersive stays, is gearing up for a major expansion in 2025. With six new properties in the pipeline, the group is making a decisive move to elevate its portfolio, including three high-end resorts in Jawai, Tadoba, and Coorg. These premium retreats will blend opulence with nature, catering to travelers seeking luxury in offbeat destinations.

Momentum from 2024 Drives Optimistic Growth for 2025

Following a strong performance in 2024, where occupancy surpassed 8% year-to-date, Stone Wood Hotels is eyeing a revenue surge of at least 10% in 2025. The brand anticipates a corresponding increase in both Average Room Rate (ARR) and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR), capitalizing on the market’s positive trajectory.

Expanding Footprint with 400+ New Keys

Currently operating 16 properties across 11 cities in six states, the hospitality chain is set to expand its inventory significantly. The 2025 openings will collectively introduce over 400 new rooms, further solidifying its presence in India’s dynamic tourism sector. While the brand has been a key player in the mid-market segment, its foray into upscale hospitality through its upcoming resorts signals a strategic shift. The first of these premium properties is slated to welcome guests by the end of the 2025-26 financial year.

Innovative Asset-Light Model Driving Growth

Maintaining its asset-light approach, Stone Wood Hotels is leveraging lease and revenue-share models to fuel its expansion. This flexible strategy enhances operational efficiency while ensuring sustainable profitability. Investment for the upcoming developments will be secured through strategic collaborations with investors across India, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for high ROI and efficient boutique property investment models.

Commitment to Service Excellence & Experiential Stays

With an unwavering focus on guest satisfaction, the group continues to enhance service quality through rigorous training programs like T3 & LDP, along with stringent quality audits. The brand’s emphasis on immersive hospitality extends to its experiential offerings, vibrant F&B destinations, and curated events, ensuring memorable stays for its guests.

MICE & Wedding Segments Fuel Expansion Strategy

Recognizing the booming demand for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) along with destination weddings, Stone Wood Hotels is designing future properties with dedicated event spaces. The success of Aralea Beach Resort by Stone Wood Premier, where MICE and wedding bookings contribute 75% of its business, underscores the brand’s strong positioning in this segment.

Vision 2030: Scaling to 50 Hotels & 3,000+ Rooms

Looking ahead, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts aims to operate 50 properties with a total inventory of over 3,000 rooms by 2030. The brand remains committed to creating value-driven hospitality experiences, with a focus on offbeat locations, immersive travel, and personalized services. As it strengthens its presence in India’s evolving tourism landscape, Stone Wood Hotels is poised to redefine boutique and luxury hospitality with its strategic growth and customer-centric approach.

source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / Travel and Tour World (TTW) / Home> Asia / March 13t, 2025

Programme on legal regulations and cyber security for cooperative societies held in Madikeri

Business & Economy, , , , , , , , ,

A special programme on the theme “legal regulations and cyber security in the management of cooperative societies“ was held at Madikeri on Monday.

The event was jointly organised by Karnataka State Cooperative Federation and Kodagu District Co-operative Union. Presidents of various cooperative societies in Kodagu district took part in the event.

Retired assistant registrar of cooperative societies H.S. Nagarajaiah delivered a lecture on legal regulations essential for the management of cooperative societies, including board elections.

Development trainer R.K. Balachandra, with a background in the banking sector, provided insights into cyber security threats and preventive measures.

Director of Kodagu District Cooperative Union Umesh Uthappa and others were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / March 10th, 2025

Kodagu coffee growers reap high prices amid yield drop

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Records, All

Madikeri:

In the heartland of coffee cultivation, Kodagu, this year’s harvest tells a tale of mixed fortunes.

While coffee production has seen a significant dip due to erratic weather patterns, farmers are finding relief in skyrocketing prices that have touched record highs. However, rising labour and maintenance costs continue to be a concern, particularly for small-scale growers.

A season of contrasts

Kodagu’s major coffee-growing taluks — Madikeri, Virajpet and Ponnampet — are currently in the thick of the Robusta coffee harvest. However, due to inconsistent rainfall last year, coffee yields have plummeted by 30 percent to 50 percent in several plantations. Some lucky farmers have reported decent harvests, but for most, expectations have fallen short.

Yet, what the season lacks in quantity, it makes up for in price. A 50 kg bag of Robusta coffee (with husk) is now fetching between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 13,000 — a historic high. In comparison, last year’s rates stood at around Rs. 9,000 per 50-kg bag.

The surge in prices is attributed to a global dip in coffee production, particularly in major coffee-producing nations like Brazil and Colombia. For farmers, this unexpected price hike is a much-needed ‘bumper gift’ after a challenging season.

Labour shortage adds to woes

Despite high prices, farmers are struggling to find enough labourers for harvesting. Kodagu traditionally relies on seasonal workers from Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Bihar, who arrive in December for the coffee-picking season.

This year, however, the declining yield and other factors have deterred many workers from making the journey, leaving farmers in distress.

Adding to the challenge, wages have surged. Two years ago, daily wages ranged between Rs. 400 and Rs. 450. This year, rates have shot up to Rs. 550 to Rs. 600 per day, further escalating the cost of cultivation.

To make matters worse, labourers now start work later than before. Earlier, they would begin harvesting by 8.30 am or 9 am and continue until 5 pm. Now, work starts at 10 am and wraps up by 3.30 pm, cutting valuable work hours.

This is mainly due to labourers being transported from distant locations. Apart from higher wages, estate owners must also bear the additional costs of labour contractors, driver fees and vehicle rentals, increasing the financial strain on growers.

First showers in February

In late February, Napoklu and Kaluru regions received their first rainfall of the year. While rain is usually welcomed in Kodagu’s coffee plantations, its timing is crucial.

The downpour has stalled the harvesting process, as ripened coffee cherries remain on plants alongside delicate new coffee blossoms for the next season.

For those who had already completed their harvest, the rain was a relief. But for those still working in the fields, it has become a frustrating setback.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 06th, 2025

CGH Earth Saha unveils Coorg Wild Walk, a wilderness retreat at Nagarhole

Business & Economy, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , ,

CGH Earth Saha, a collection of handpicked escapes, has launched its ninth villa, Coorg Wild Walk, adjoining Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka. Situated within a lush coffee estate near Kutta’s Nanachi Gate, this secluded four-bedroom villa is just minutes from the entrance of Nagarhole National Park, offering an unparalleled gateway to one of India’s most pristine wilderness areas. The park is renowned for its tigers, leopards, elephants, wild dogs, sloth bears, and a thriving bird population.

Perched on the edge of Nagarhole’s forests, the villa provides an intimate and secure retreat where the sights and sounds of the jungle create an evocative and thrilling atmosphere. The estate, predominantly planted with Robusta coffee, is alive with a rich avian population, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

“We are thrilled to welcome nature and wildlife enthusiasts to Coorg Wild Walk at Nagarhole. Nestled within a coffee plantation and just minutes from the Nanachi Gate of Nagarhole National Park. This four-bedroom villa is a treat for all kind of travellers. Guests can wake up to bird calls, sip freshly brewed estate-grown coffee on the verandah, and set out on safaris and other curated activities. With year-round wildlife activity, the thrill of the forest is ever-present.

With this launch, CGH Earth Saha reaffirms its commitment to heritage, sustainability, and immersive experiences. Coorg Wild Walk is a tribute to the forest, designed for a truly authentic connection with nature,” said George Joseph, Vice President – Operations, CGH Earth.

The cozy estate home has been remodeled to serve the visitors with an unhindered experience of the forest. Each of the four rooms can be booked individually, or guests can reserve the entire villa for a private getaway.

The expansive picture windows offer uninterrupted views of the lush coffee plantation and forest beyond, ensuring guests stay connected to nature at all times. The lodge’s semi-open lounge and dining areas welcome fresh air and natural light, creating a tranquil atmosphere amidst nature. Beautifully enhanced with Kodava crafts and artifacts, these spaces add a distinct local charm to the home.

The culinary experience at Coorg Wild Walk reflects the land it inhabits. Guests can indulge in the flavors of Kodagu and Karnataka, with a menu that highlights traditional dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Beyond the villa, a wealth of experiences awaits. Under the guidance of a naturalist manager, guests can explore the estate on nature walks, embark on birdwatching excursions, and enjoy picnic outings by serene water bodies. Safaris in Nagarhole offers a rare chance to witness the region’s diverse wildlife, making it an ideal destination for wildlife photographers.

With its unparalleled proximity to the national park, thoughtfully designed spaces, and deep commitment to sustainability and cultural authenticity, CGH Earth Saha’s Coorg Wild Walk is where adventure and serenity converge.

source: http://www.traveltradejournal.com / Travel Trade Journal – TTJ / Home> Hotel Connect> International Hotels / by TFG / March 07th, 2025

District-level job fair in Madikeri on March 8

Business & Economy, Records, All, , , , , , ,

The Kodagu Zilla Panchayat will hold a district-level job fair at Madikeri near here by under the Sanjeevini – Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Promotion Society’s (KSRLPS) Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) – Grameena Kaushalya Yojane (GKY) scheme on March 8.

According to an official statement here, the district-level job fair scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at District Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Madikeri is expected to offer employment opportunities to at least 800 candidates in various companies.

Several reputed companies are scheduled to participate in the fair and offer on-the-spot job opportunities and select candidates for training programmes, a statement said.

Chief Executive Officer of Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Anand Prakash Meena has urged unemployed youth between 18 and 35 years of age, to make use of the opportunity.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau, Mysuru / March 05th, 2025

Arka Coorg Ravi’, the desi avocado promises more yield in Karnataka

Agriculture, Business & Economy

Bengaluru :

The increasing clamour for varieties of exotic fruits has made avocados aka butter fruit — a popular fruit in India. Often hailed as ‘Fruit of the Rich’, avocados are steadily expanding their market but there only two Indian varieties of the fruit in the country and they are yet to make their mark over the popular Mexican varieties favoured by farmers.

To ensure large scale production of nutrient rich avocados, scientists from Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru have developed Arka Coorg Ravi — a complete desi variety of avocado to suit Indian conditions – after working for two decades at Chettalli research station in Kodagu. The new variety is named after IIHR scientist H Ravishankar, who worked at Chettalli station for 35 years and breathed his last a few years ago.

Unlike regular varieties of avocado which yield 60-80 kg of fruits per plant, the new variety will give 100-180 kg per plant, they said. “Avocados have big seeds and less pulp. But this variety comes with small seeds, ensuring 80% pulp recovery and more nutrients on the platter,” revealed BM Muralidhar, fruit scientist at IIHR-Chettalli station.

Initially popular in the coffee growing belt of Karnataka, avocados are now cultivated in large numbers in Mandya, Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts.

“The new variety is adaptable to all conditions and over 25,000 plants are being distributed. The IIHR has retained the mother seed and only grafted seedlings will be distributed to the farmers,” he pointed out.

Meaty alternative for vegans

Catering to the growing tribe of vegans and those switching to gluten-free diet, IIHR scientists have developed a healthy alternative to meat by utilising the popular jackfruit. With high content of dietary fibre and bio active components that regulate blood sugar in the body, the ‘Arka tender jack frozen patties and kababs’ are projected as healthy alternatives to meat and maida.

Preethi P, IIHR scientist in post-harvest technology, said, “Most of the vegan patties, kababs products that are in the market are usually a blend of multiple products and full of preservatives that affect health. However, this is completely made from tender jackfruit chunks and free of any preservatives.”

It will be available at half the price of existing brands in the market, she said.

source: http://www.msn.com / MSN / timesofindia.com / Home> City News> Bengaluru News / by Niranjan Kaggare / February 27th, 2025

Plastic surgeons’ conference at Virajpet from February 7 to 9

Business & Economy, Records, All,

A State-level plastic surgeons’ conference will be held at Virajpet in Kodagu from February 7 to 9.

The Karnataka Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (KAPRAS), which has more than 260 plastic surgeons, will be holding a three-day scientific conference to update knowledge and exchange ideas, said KAPRAS vice-president H.V. Satish, who is also a senior plastic surgeon at Apollo BGS Hospital in Mysuru.

Dr. Satish said a total of 160 plastic surgeons from different parts of the State are expected to attend the event.

“The topics include cosmetic surgery, reconstruction after cancer surgery, surgery for birth defects, complex limb injuries, nerve injury treatment, microvascular surgery, etc.,” noted a statement.

Also, international and national speakers of repute have been invited to deliver talks at the conference while two masterclasses have been organised to teach young post-graduates, the statement added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / February 09th, 2025

Can India brew its way to becoming the world’s top coffee exporter?

Business & Economy, Coffee News, World Opinion

SUMMARY

In the first few months of FY25, Indian coffee exports surpassed the $1 billion mark, registering an impressive 42.65% YoY growth. India’s diverse coffee regions, high-quality beans and unique farming techniques are increasingly filling gaps traditionally dominated by Brazil, Vietnam, Ethiopia and Colombia. However, strict EU deforestation rules pose challenges for small farmers due to high compliance costs.

India is the fifth-largest coffee exporter in the world. | Image: Shutterstock

A curious question—Are you team chai or coffee?

I’m team coffee by all means! A cup of steaming hot coffee is all I need to kickstart my day!

And not just me, lately the world is waking up to Indian coffee. For context, India’s coffee industry has achieved a significant milestone, with exports surpassing the $1 billion mark for the first time. Between April and November 2024, India’s coffee exports rose to a record high of $1.15 billion compared to $804.4 million during the same period last year, registering an impressive 42.65% growth.

Source: Department of Commerce

Seeing this remarkable growth, it is clear that India is redefining its traditional tea-dominated narrative by emerging as a strong global coffee exporter.

Sounds amazing, isn’t it? So, what’s brewing up India’s coffee exports?

Key markets driving growth

India exports coffee to more than 50 countries around the world. However, the major markets driving India’s coffee exports are Italy, Germany, Russia, UAE, Belgium and Turkey.

Source: Coffee Board of India

India is the world’s seventh-largest coffee producer. It is also the fifth-largest coffee exporter, exporting 403,051 tonnes of coffee between January and December 2024. On average, India exports over 70% of its production.

What is pushing India’s coffee exports?

Various reasons contribute to India becoming a key player in the global coffee market.

Firstly, major coffee-producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam are facing supply constraints due to erratic weather patterns—droughts and extreme heat—caused by climate change. With these giants struggling to meet the demands, India is creating enormous opportunities to step in and fill the gap.

Secondly, Indian coffee has a uniqueness that puts it ahead of its global competitors. It is grown using traditional techniques in natural forests. Interestingly, we are the only country in the world where coffee is grown under natural shade. Moreover, it is uniquely hand-picked without the use of machinery, naturally harvested and sun-dried. While the sun-drying method takes much longer than mechanical drying, it enhances the flavour of the beans. Besides, it is also eco-friendly as it does not contribute to carbon emissions.

Thirdly, coffee farming in other countries often involves chopping off existing vegetation, whereas in India, the forest canopy stays almost intact. This environmentally sustainable way of cultivating coffee aligns perfectly with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which prohibits coffee imports from regions that were deforested after 2020. This presents opportunities for Indian exporters.

Now you know the real reasons why Indian coffee typically commands a premium over the global benchmark!

The world looks to India for coffee

India mainly produces two varieties of coffee, Arabica and Robusta. While Arabica coffee has a mild aromatic flavour, Robusta coffee has a strong flavour on the taste buds.

FYI: India’s Robusta coffee is considered the best in the world, and its Arabica coffee is the second best, just after Columbia’s.

India primarily focuses on producing Robusta coffee, which accounts for 72% of India’s total production. Robusta coffee has a huge demand in the international markets, which is another reason for the surge in India’s coffee exports.

Did you know? India is considered the fifth-largest producer of Robusta coffee globally.

Not just this, Robusta beans are a favourite for instant coffee manufacturers worldwide. The rising demand for instant coffee in markets like Russia and Turkey has given a significant boost to India’s instant coffee exports, which make up a third of our total exports.

Besides, supply constraints in Brazil and Vietnam have led to a sharp rise in Robusta coffee prices. The prices have touched multi-decade highs, climbing more than 60% in 2024 alone. For context, Indian Robusta is fetching a premium of nearly $300 a tonne on the London-based ICE Futures Europe market. The surge in demand and prices presents Indian coffee exporters with a unique opportunity.

There is also a bitter reality to it

While Indian coffees are making a mark globally, let’s also accept the fact that the journey is not all that smooth.

Even though global prices are rising, coffee farmers are facing higher production costs due to rising labour costs and scarcity of labour. To put things in perspective, the labour cost in India is a massive 65%, whereas in Brazil it is just 25% of the total production cost. Why you ask? Well, it’s simply because the cultivation process is manual in our country.

Another challenge is growing climate changes and erratic rainfall patterns that severely harm the quality and yield of coffee and interfere with the sun-drying process.

That’s not all!

The EUDR compliance burden is putting extra pressure on farmers who will now need costly technological upgrades and struggle with heaps of paperwork, certifications and audits to meet the compliance requirements.

Having said that, the Coffee Board of India is developing a platform to help coffee producers in India comply with EUDR. While it will take some time to roll out, we might face some time-being challenges in exporting coffee to the EU.

So yeah, there are some challenges that we need to work on before India can climb the ranks to become a top coffee-exporting country.

The bottom line

Looking at the brighter side, India’s diverse coffee regions, high-quality beans and unique production process are increasingly filling gaps traditionally dominated by Brazil, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Colombia.

By 2032, the Indian coffee market is projected to reach $1,227.47 million, which is huge!

As demand for Indian coffee increases, it’s clear that the Indian coffee industry’s future is bright and full of flavour!

Cheers team coffee!

source: http://www.upstox.com / Upstox / Home> News> Upstox Originals / by Namita Salgiya / February 22nd, 2025