Category Archives: Business & Economy

5 Best Restaurants To Eat In Coorg

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

Explore the Top Culinary Delights in Coorg (Kodagu) – Must Visit Restaurants

Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a small hill station located in Karnataka, India. Lush greenery and the Western Ghats envelop the region, which makes it ideal for growing coffee. However, foodies will be happy to know that Coorg isn’t just famous for its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage. It’s known for its delicious cuisine as well.

In this article, we’ll go over the best restaurants in Coorg where you can indulge your taste buds in a variety of flavors. From authentic Kodava specialties to international dishes found nowhere else but here.

1. Local Cuisines – Raintree Restaurant

Raintree is a popular destination nestled inside a coffee plantation. They offer an array of traditional delicacies ranging from Pandi Curry (pork curry) to Kadambuttu (steamed rice dumplings) and Noolputtu (string hoppers). The cozy ambiance coupled with top-notch service will make you feel right at home while you dine on some true local grub.

2. Worldly Flavors – Beans n Brews Cafe

Beans n Brews boasts an extensive menu featuring dishes from all corners of the world. They’re also famous for their unique specialty coffee blends. Located in Madikeri town, you can choose between sitting indoors or out while enjoying pizza, sandwiches pasta and burgers along with freshly brewed coffees and other refreshing beverages.

3. Fine Dining – The Falls at Ambatty Greens Resort

The Falls restaurant can be found within Ambatty Greens Resort and offers patrons with a luxurious experience unlike any other in Coorg. Not only does it serve gourmet continental dishes made up of fresh ingredients sourced locally but they’re also experts at wine pairings! Dine in style with the scenic views of rolling hills and greenery in the background.

4. Cafe Culture – Tusk and Dawn Cafe

You’ll find Tusk and Dawn right at the heart of Madikeri. Its relaxed vibe coupled with colorful, picturesque surroundings makes for a perfect place to unwind while sipping on freshly brewed coffee or enjoying a hearty breakfast. In addition to these options, they also offer sandwiches, burgers and more.

5. Comfort Food – Coorg Cuisine Restaurant

Coorg Cuisine is located on the outskirts of Madikeri and has a homely ambiance that’s difficult to rival anywhere else in town. Their rustic Kodava decor is a breath of fresh air that will leave you feeling cozy as you sit back and enjoy some Akki Roti (rice flatbread) or their delectable Coorgi Chicken Curry among other dishes made from local ingredients.

When it comes to food, Coorg has got you covered. They’re dishing out a diverse range of flavors from all around the world. All while being surrounded by a beautiful landscape and scenic view. If you’re looking for some traditional dishes or just want to try something new, look no further! The best restaurants in Coorg are serving up an experience you won’t forget. You’ll be able to enjoy your meal with the misty hills and coffee plantations in sight..

source: http://www.travel.india.com / Travel by india.com / Home> Destination / by Kumar Utkarsh / April 03rd, 2024

AFFOREST Launches India’s First Jackfruit Skincare Range

Business & Economy, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , ,

Bangalore Based AFFOREST Green Beauty Brand announces all new culture of skin care.

“AFFOREST Green Beauty” a luxurious forest to skin, skincare brand that harnesses the power of exotic forest ingredients to revitalize and rejuvenate your skin. Inspired by the serene beauty and healing properties of forests around the world, AFFOREST was born out of their love for Coorg popular as mini Scotland of India.

Coorg’s beauty is a vision to behold. Undulating hills covered in lush green forests and a landscape dotted with coffee plantations, tea gardens and orange groves.

AFFOREST Team scouts through their vast estates and explore to unearth high performing vegan discoveries to be developed into the best of Skincare products that forests have to offer. They go through extensive rounds of Research & Development and Sampling before making the final jar of goodness that is clean, green, and filled with the AFFOREST Promise.

AFFOREST range of skincare products includes cleansers, serums, moisturizers, masks, and more, all designed to address various skin concerns and enhance your natural radiance. Whether you’re looking to hydrate dry skin, combat signs of aging, or achieve a radiant complexion, AFFOREST offers a solution to your needs. “Each product is carefully formulated with extracts from plants, herbs, and high performing plant based alternative extracts. We do not use any byproduct of animals in our products,” reveals, Yukta, CEO & Co-founder.

Key to the brand philosophy is sustainability and environmental consciousness. AFFOREST is committed to preserving the natural habitats that inspire their products, which is why they prioritize eco-friendly practices throughout their production process.

From responsibly sourcing ingredients to using recyclable packaging, AFFOREST strives to minimize its environmental footprint and contribute to the preservation of our planet’s precious forests. In this journey, they also carry their customers along with them. They contribute 1 tree towards each product bought and they become part of their community of, “AFFOREST RANGERS”.

AFFOREST RANGERS are responsible for:

•  Giving back to the forests

•  Building a greener tomorrow

•  Protecting our wildlife

•  Becoming a part of our green community

•  Promoting beauty that goes more than skin deep.

In addition to their dedication to nature and sustainability, AFFOREST is committed to inclusivity and transparency. “We believe that skincare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of skin type, tone, or background,” says, Yukta.

Their products are formulated to be suitable for all skin types, and they are committed to providing clear and honest information about the ingredients they use and their benefits.

Through the Journey

The brand founders have boot strapped the business and run lean operations. AFFOREST launched its 1st in India Green Coffee range of skincare products. The initial 4 product launch with cleanser, hydrating expert, mineral sunscreen & serum was the talk of the town. “These product’s well received feedback and positive support moved us to launch 6 more products in this range,” says Yukta. The 10 products became so popular as an India’s first ever launch that the founders started exploring more exotic forest ingredients to curate into their portfolio.

Challenges were plenty. “The biggest challenge for us was to maintain small batches of stocks to control the quality and efficacy of the exotic products before manufacturing at scale, convincing our manufacturers of the same was always the foundational challenge as we use exotic forest ingredients. With lot of efforts and dedication towards our products and brand aspirations we were able to convince our manufacturers to work on small capacities first to maintain our product quality which can be controlled by AFFOREST Green Beauty,“ reveals Yukta.

Everything revolves around the customers, “I personally interact with customers to understand in which direction the products and brand needs to evolve since we are new culture to skincare,” says Yukta.

India’s first Jackfruit Skin Care Range, nowhere else

AFFOREST, has launched yet another exotic forest hi performing science backed superpower ingredient, “Jackfruit Beauty Range”. India’s 1st ever launch which is backed as the hi performer for pigmentation and hyper pigmentation skin concerns. High amounts of vitamin C are present in jackfruit extracts which boosts collagen and firm’s skin. Powerful ingredient for Vitamin A and derivative retinoid delays ageing.

“The Jackfruit range will mark the luxurious era for AFFOREST,” says Yukta. The range consists of a foaming cleanser, gel crème moisturizer, under eye crème & bedtime serum blended with other science backed performing botanical extracts to target early signs of pigmentation & hyper pigmentation. 100% Vegan, Cruelty free, Paraben & Toxin Free, Exotic forests aromas will leave you wanting for more. AFFOREST products are not just to treat your condition scientifically, the experience is exotic, the aromas refresh your mind, body & soul helps you rejuvenate after a long day. “We will keep bringing the science backed, plant based exotic forest ingredient formulations to our customers which will not only treat and improve their skin needs but also make them feel good about themselves and relax their mental load by using AFFOREST products,” says Yukta.

Kudos to the team

•  AFFOREST Green Beauty has forayed into a marketplace with already existing strong players and has managed to create a niche for themselves from the exotic India’s 1st forest to skin products along with building an AFFOREST Rangers community and bringing New Culture into Skincare which is not just about treating skin scientifically but mindfully as well.

•  The brand received so much of appreciation from their Green Coffee range of skincare that they researched and developed another exotic forest ingredient the Jackfruit skincare range. They are going to keep bringing the customers exciting new forest goodness to bring freshness to their skin and lives.

•  The brand’s Hero Ingredient is always Certified organic, well researched backed with science and blended into the ultimate high performing potent formula. The most active part of the formulation is the hero ingredient which contains 10% of the actives.

“Our brand, AFFOREST ‘s journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and passion. As we navigate the road ahead, we will continue to uphold our values of authenticity, transparency, and integrity, ensuring that every product we create reflects our unwavering commitment towards excellence & the environment,” Yukta Raghu, 1st Ranger, CEO & Co-founder, AFFOREST Green Beauty.

www.myafforest.com

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www.linkedin.com/in/yukta-raghu-6047b9245/

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Image: AFFOREST Green Beauty Brand – All new culture of skin care

(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)

source: http://www.ptinews.com / PTI / Home> General / by Press Release / April 02nd, 2024

Special Puja Offered At Talacauvery For Rain

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Madikeri:

Following severe drought condition in the State including Kodagu district, special puja was performed at Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple and Talacauvery, the birth place of River Cauvery in the district today, praying for a good spell of rain, said M.B. Devaiah, President of Sri Kaaveramme Kodava Amma Kodava Hitarakshana Charitable Trust.

Devaiah said, “Mother Cauvery should show mercy on us to come out of the present drought situation. The devotees, who came from various parts of the State have offered puja at Talacauvery.”

By performing puja, we prayed for rainfall and as per the advise of tantris (priests) we did yelaneeru (tender coconut) abhisheka during the puja. All the devotees took part in the puja rituals. Following drought in the State, people, livestock and wildlife are facing severe water scarcity. Kodagu had last witnessed such a severe drought condition in the year 1924. In the later years, the district had witnessed copious rainfall contributing to better agrarian output.

Now, we have been witnessing severe drought, leading to drying up of rivers and other water bodies. The Governments should be blamed for the current situation, for taking up massive deforestation by cutting trees arbitrarily in the name of development works. The people, livestock and animals are feeling the pinch, crying for water, said Devaiah. Prominent leaders of Sri Kaaveramme Kodava Amma Kodava Hitarakshana Charitable Trust Manu Muddappa, M.K. Aiyanna, Nandakumar, Somaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 03rd, 2024

Kundyolanda Cup Family Hockey Fest Begins In Kodagu

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The 24th Edition of Kodava Hockey Festival 2024, dubbed the ‘Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival’ and organised by the Kundyolanda Family, began with vibrant fervour at the General Thimayya Ground at Napoklu Karnataka Public School yesterday. Matches will be played on three grounds at Napoklu.

Pandanda K. Bopanna, President of the Kodava Hockey Academy, inaugurated the event by striking a silver hockey ball with a hockey stick. Virajpet MLA and CM’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja — who notably played for Coorg 11 against Navy 11 — graced the occasion.

Other dignitaries included MLC Suja Kushalappa, author of ‘The Vanishing Kodavas’ Kambiranda Kaveri Ponnappa, Olympian Paikera Kalaiah, Lt. Col Baleyada Subramani and Akhila Kodava Samaja President Paradanda Subramani.

Originating in 1997 from the visionary insight of the late Pandanda Kuttappa, affectionately known as Kuttani, a former State league referee, the Kodava Hockey Festival has evolved over the years and is now managed under the auspices of the Kodava Hockey Academy.

Scheduled from Mar. 30 to Apr. 28, this month-long festival promises an exhilarating experience for sports enthusiasts and hockey aficionados alike. This time, over 360 teams from various families have registered for the festival. It serves as an annual spectacle, drawing together families from diverse locales to revel in their shared passion for hockey and their common heritage.

The registration of 360 teams marks a historic milestone in the tournament’s history, setting a new record for participation. In addition to the thrilling hockey matches, attendees can anticipate a multitude of attractions.

A vibrant food festival showcasing authentic Kodava delicacies alongside diverse cuisines promises to tantalise taste buds. Matrimonial initiatives and cultural events celebrating the community’s rich heritage add further excitement to the extravaganza.

Before the formal inauguration, a grand procession commenced from the Napoklu Sri Rama Mandira, leading to the main playground. The procession was joined by hundreds of Kodava men, women, and children adorned in their traditional attire.

Multiple folk dances, musical instruments and art forms, imagery and symbols from the Kodava community added to the vibrant atmosphere of the procession.

In honour of the festival’s 24th edition, 24 balloons were released into the air and 24 rounds of gunfire resounded, with each bullet symbolising a participating family. Before each gunshot, the names of the families were announced aloud, signifying their integral role in the festival’s legacy.

With a staggering total of 5,760 players, 730 coaches and managers and 40 technical staff actively participating, the tournament guarantees an atmosphere filled with intense competition and promises to create lasting memories  for all involved.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 31st, 2024

Historic Milestone in Coffee Industry: Robusta Prices Surpass Arabica, Reach All-Time High

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), , , , , , ,

HIGHLIGHTS

In a groundbreaking development for the coffee industry, robusta coffee prices have surged past Arabica prices to reach an unprecedented all-time high, driven by global supply shortages.

Historic Milestone in Coffee Industry: Robusta Prices Surpass Arabica, Reach All-Time High

Bengaluru:

In a groundbreaking development for the coffee industry, robusta coffee prices have surged past Arabica prices to reach an unprecedented all-time high, driven by global supply shortages. The farmgate price of robusta green coffee berries soared to a record ₹172 per kg in the Wayanad market, on Wednesday marking a significant increase from ₹115 per kg during the same period last year. Additionally, the spot price of Robusta Parchment coffee beans skyrocketed to an all-time high of ₹315 per kg, compared to ₹220 per kg in March 2023. Notably, in March 2022, the rates for raw fruits and parchment stood at ₹80 and ₹145 respectively.

In the Kodagu market, the price of robusta parchment surged to Rs 14,700 per 50 kg bag, setting a new milestone. This marks the first time that the price of cherry and parchment coffee has surpassed that of Arabica. Arabica cherry coffee is currently priced between 8000-8200 per 50 kg bag, while robusta commands a higher price of over 8600 -8700 rupees.

Experts attribute this remarkable surge in prices to a combination of factors, including a surge in global demand and crop failures in leading coffee exporting countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and Vietnam due to extreme weather conditions. Despite challenges in yield, India’s coffee production is expected to reach 3.54 lakh tonnes, slightly up from last year’s production of 3.52 lakh tonnes, according to officials from the Coffee Board.

Former Coffee Board member, Dr. Sannuwanda Kaveerappa, predicts a further rise in robusta coffee prices, attributing it to crop destruction in Vietnam and Indonesia and the superior quality of Indian coffee compared to other regions. With Karnataka leading the way, accounting for 71% of the country’s coffee production, followed by Kerala (21%) and Tamil Nadu (5%), India remains a significant player in the global coffee market.

As coffee prices soar, it is anticipated that prices in hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops will witness an upward trend in the coming months, potentially impacting consumers. This price hike may prompt consumers to shift towards other alternatives like tea. Additionally, the rise in robusta prices may lead Arabica growers to consider transitioning to robusta cultivation due to its lower maintenance costs and rarity of borer infestation. Market analysts anticipate further increases in coffee prices in the coming days, with the possibility of maintaining stability even in the face of minor fluctuations.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Coovercolly Indresh / Hans News Service / March 28th, 2024

Coorg Unveils Exquisite Event Management Services, Purple Events Promises Unmatched Excellence

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, ,

In the vibrant realm of event management, a brilliant new luminary is making waves amidst the picturesque backdrop of Coorg.

Meet Sampath, a dynamic entrepreneur whose debut onto the scene promises to captivate clients with an unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier services. Driven with a deep passion for crafting unforgettable moments, Sampath brings a fresh perspective to every occasion, drawing inspiration from Coorg’s natural splendor.

With an unwavering dedication to excellence, Sampath’s enterprise promises a flawless innovation and precise focus on intricacies. From conceptualization to execution,  his team stands ready to transform any occasion into a stunning masterpiece. Drawing inspiration from Coorg’s rich cultural heritage, Sampath aims to infuse each event with a unique charm that reflects the region’s hospitality and warmth.

Clients can anticipate a seamless and stress-free event planning experience, as Sampath guarantees his innovative approach with a commitment to delivering beyond expectations. As the scene is set for exciting projects, Sampath shines as a brilliant young talent in the event management Industry , ready to redefine the standards of luxury and sophistication. 

What: Event Planner

Where: At Coorg/Kodagu, Karnataka

Service: Event Planning, Event Management

For further details contact – 8431972797

source: http://www.hospibuzz.com / Hospibuzz.com / Home> Buzzing News> Hotels News / March 26th, 2024

Coorg and Crazy Beans Company

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Uncategorized, , ,

Hello Folks! Sorry for being absconding for this long, got caught up in the hustle of life 

 Anyways, here is a fresh one and I believe its perfect to make up for the “disappearance”.

The end of 2017 was a crazy one, exhausting honestly. So to rejuvenate I planned a trip to  Coorg, I have heard so many good things about the place I had to see it by myself.

Trust me it was one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had on a trip. The place is blessed with breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. The sun rises with the lush green view of the coffee plantation that goes on for stretches is mesmerising.

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Coorg is synonym to coffee and being a coffee lover I wanted to explore. Luckily enough I had a chance to meet Mr. Bharath who runs a coffee plantation there. He is certified by coffee board of India as a Roaster and Barista and also we are members of SCAA. A very passionate man who treats coffee as his treasure.

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As I went around with him exploring the coffee estates I witnessed how much love, passion and hard work goes into our early morning cuppa.

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To make the best coffee available to all of us as fresh as it can get Bharath has started an online portal http://www.crazybeancompany.com/ where Natural processed coffee is available. The best part of it all is that the order can be custom roasted and grounded as per your requirement. I had to share the details afterall we all deserve our good blissful cup of coffee.

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In his words –

“Farmers by birth, roasters by choice and business people by accident. We love our food and drink and we enjoy making it for others as well. There’s an old saying- “if you’re good at something don’t do it for free” so we started The Crazy Bean Company.

We can tell you that our farm in the heartland of Kodagu is irrigated by a freshwater spring, fertilised by wild animals and birds, the fruits are serenaded by classical music and caressed of their stems on maturity. Well, the classical music part isn’t true everything else is. We also follow modern, scientific and sustainable methods of farming, which means absolutely no pesticides.“

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So here you go guys! Hope I am helping out some of my travellers & coffee loving friends.

Cheers !

source: http://www.apurvapriyadarshini.wordpress.com / Home> Shoe-Syrup-Shushi / posted in ‘ On the Road / by Apurva Priyadarshini / December 25th, 2017

Bengalurean’s ‘humane’ device to save crops from wild animals

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Science & Technology,

Each device features four LED lights. The lights are positioned in pairs, in such a way that from a distance they look like a pair of glowing eyes of a predator, founder S R Ayan said.

Bengalurean’s 'humane' device to save crops from wild animals
Parabraksh installed in a farm in Kanakapura.

A Bengaluren has designed a lighting system to help farmers protect their crops and livestock from wildlife, during the night. The innovative product does not harm the wild animals. Katidhan, a five-member startup located on New BEL Road, recently won an investment of Rs 1.5 crore on business reality show, Shark Tank India.

On the show, its founder S R Ayan said farmers in India lose 30-50% of their crops to wildlife. The conventional methods to keep wild animals out include installing electrical fences, planting crude bombs or spraying chemicals. Citing the dangers of such interventions, he said an elephant in Chikkamagaluru died due to electrocution by an electric fence last November.

Ayan says his product, Parabraksh, mitigates the human-animal conflict in a “humane way”. Animals are afraid of other animals and the lighting system is built around this behavioural psychology. “Each device features four LED lights. The lights are positioned in pairs, in such a way that from a distance they look like a pair of glowing eyes of a predator. This scares away the animal.”

The product flashes light in random patterns. Being an autonomous device, it switches on in the dark and switches off as daylight breaks. It runs on solar power but also features a USB charging port for backup.

“Four such lights are needed to protect a farm land of 1 hectare, one in each corner. You can mount them on bamboo sticks or steel poles. The height of the stick or pole will depend on the size of the animal you are targeting,” Ayan adds.

He claims Parabraksh is “over 95%” effective in repelling wild boar, nilgai, elephant, tiger, leopard, and the Himalayan bear. He shares case studies: When these lights were uninstalled from a farm in Tamil Nadu and sent for servicing, elephants returned. For a woman farmer in Maharashtra, crop losses due to wild boars have gone down by 25%. The income of a farmer in Odisha has doubled since elephant invasion stopped.

Ayan says the demand for Parabraksh was more than what his bootstrapped startup could meet, that’s why he decided to raise funds through investors.

It all started with a friend’s SOS call in 2017. “My friend was volunteering with a wildlife organisation in Ladakh. He said villagers were trying to kill the snow leopard that was attacking their livestock. He knew about my background in product design and robotics and asked if I could help,” the 33-yearold recalls.

After a pilot in Ladakh, Parabraksh hit the market in 2020. “Our first taker was a large coffee estate in Kodagu,” he says. About 1,100 units, Rs 9,500 apiece, have been sold since. A majority of the products have been sold to farming and social development collectives in Maharashtra.

“After the show, I am getting enquiries from Kanakapura, Kodagu and Hassan, which see regular elephant movement,” he says.

Monkey chaser

Sensor-based Kapikaat is another product by Katidhan, priced at Rs 5,000 and up. It emits loud sounds to repel monkeys during day time. “It is 70-75 % effective. We reckon that monkeys can get used to the source of the sound and ignore it,” says Ayan.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by Barkha Kumari / March 27th, 2024

4.66 lakh people in Kodagu eligible to cast vote

Business & Economy, Records, All

A part of Mysuru parliamentary constituency, as many as 4.66 lakh people in Kodagu are eligible to cast their ballot. Out of 4,66,154 voters, 2,37,660 are women, 2,28,478 are men, and 16 are others.

Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja on Monday said the election notification will be issued on March 28 and from the same day onwards nomination papers for the elections to Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha can be filed. April 4 is the last date for filing the nomination papers.

Kodagu comprises of two assembly constituencies – Virajpet and Madikeri.

Madikeri has 2,36,562 voters, including 1,15,159 male, 1,21,394 female voters and nine others. In Virajpet, there are 2,29,592 voters, including 1,13,319 male, 1,16,266 female and seven others.

Kodagu has 9,076 voters who are in the age group of 18 and 19 years. Also, there are over 4,000 voters who are physically challenged. Kodagu has 546 polling booths. The district has 44 sectors officers, 21 flying squads, and 42 static surveillance teams.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Elections> Lok Sabha / by The Hindu Bureau / March 25th, 2024

Robusta coffee price touches all-time high

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), World Opinion, , ,

Price of robusta coffee has dropped due to supply shortage and global factors.

Farm workers harvesting coffee beans at a plantation in Wayanad district of Kerala. | Photo Credit: E.M. MANOJ

The robusta coffee farmers in south India are jubilant post-harvest with their produce fetching an all-time high price.

The farmgate price of raw robusta coffee berries touched a record ₹172 a kg in Wayanad market on Saturday, as against ₹115 a kg during the corresponding period last year. Meanwhile, spot price of robusta coffee beans stood at ₹315 a kg, up from ₹210 during the same period in 2023. The price was ₹80 and ₹145 a kg for raw berries and beans respectively in March 2022.

Though the harvest is almost complete, there has been a huge shortfall in the supply of coffee to the market this year, thereby contributing to the increase in coffee prices, says sources.

Multiple factors

“We expect a decline of 30% in the production of robusta this year owing to climatic vagaries, especially the scanty blossom shower in robusta growing regions last year,” sources said.

A sharp decline in production of robusta coffee — nearly 2 million bags — in Vietnam, a major Robusta coffee growing country, has also attributed to the increase in price, the sources added. Robusta coffee production in Indonesia too dipped sharply this year, the sources added.

Notably, the price of Arabica variety of coffee has dropped below the price of robusta coffee. The farmgate price of the Arabica variety coffee was ₹305 per kg on Saturday. Though the Arabica variety always fetched a premium price in the market, it is the robusta variety that is witnessing an increase due to its low availability for the first time.

Farmers suspect that the production may decline by 25% to 30% next year too owing to a dearth of backup showers in many robusta coffee growing areas in the country.

Wayanad in Kerala, which is the largest robusta coffee producing district in the country after Coorg in Karnataka, received a rainfall of 29.3 mm in the first week of January. Major parts of the district received no rain since then.

The January showers helped in the blossoming of robusta coffee plants, farmers say. But the absence of backup showers, a major factor in the formation of berries, is a concern.

According to Coffee Board of India, the total production of coffee in the country during the 2022-23 fiscal was 3,52,000 tonnes, including 2,52,000 tons of robusta coffee.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Kerala / by E M Manoj / March 24th, 2024