Synopsis
India's coffee exports have surged to $1.29 billion, nearly doubling in four years. The country is now the seventh-largest coffee producer, with rising domestic and international demand driving growth. Initiatives by the Coffee Board aim to enhance production and sustainability, further solidifying India's global coffee market position.Key Takeaways
- India's coffee exports increased to $1.29 billion.
- Seventh-largest coffee producer worldwide.
- Growing demand for roasted and instant coffee.
- Domestic consumption rose from 84,000 to 91,000 tonnes.
- Successful initiatives empower local communities in coffee production.
New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) India's coffee exports have nearly doubled over the past four years, reaching $1.29 billion in FY 2023-24 from $719.42 million in 2020-21. This marks India's rise as the seventh-largest coffee producer worldwide, as noted in a statement from the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Monday.
In the first two weeks of January 2025, India exported more than 9,300 tonnes of coffee, with leading buyers such as Italy, Belgium, and Russia. The significant growth in India's coffee exports can be attributed to the rising global appetite for its rich and distinctive flavors.
About 75% of India's coffee production comprises Arabica and Robusta beans, primarily exported as unroasted beans. However, there is an increasing trend toward value-added products, like roasted and instant coffee, which further enhances the export landscape.
The emergence of cafe culture, coupled with higher disposable incomes and a growing preference for coffee over tea, is leading to a steady rise in coffee consumption across India.
This trend is particularly evident in both urban and rural regions.
Domestic consumption has risen from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023. This growth marks a significant shift in beverage preferences, as coffee becomes a daily staple, as highlighted in the statement.
India's coffee is mainly cultivated in the ecologically diverse Western and Eastern Ghats, renowned for their biodiversity. Karnataka is the leading producer, contributing 248,020 MT in 2022-23, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
These regions feature shaded plantations that not only support the coffee sector but also play an essential role in conserving the natural environment, aiding in the ecological balance of these biodiversity hotspots.
To boost coffee production and cater to the rising domestic and global demand, the Coffee Board of India has introduced several vital initiatives.
Through the Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP), the focus is on enhancing yields, expanding cultivation in non-traditional areas, and ensuring sustainable coffee farming.
These initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy to fortify India's coffee industry, elevate productivity, and enhance its global competitiveness, as stated.
A notable success story is the Araku Valley, where nearly 150,000 tribal families have collaborated with the Coffee Board and the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) to boost coffee production by 20%.
This achievement is supported by loans from the Girijan Co-Operative Corporation (GCC). It illustrates how coffee farming empowers communities and aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
These initiatives, along with export incentives and logistical support, are crucial in expanding India’s coffee industry. They enhance both domestic production and global competitiveness, solidifying India’s position as a key player in the international coffee market, the statement added.
Interestingly, India’s coffee journey traces back centuries, initiated when the legendary holy saint Baba Budan brought seven Mocha seeds to the hills of Karnataka in the 1600s.
His simple act of planting these seeds in his hermitage courtyard at Baba Budan Giri unknowingly sparked India's rise as a prominent coffee producer.
Over the centuries, coffee cultivation in India has transitioned from a modest practice to a thriving industry, with Indian coffee now cherished globally.
