India's Coffee Output to Rise 3% in 2025-26 Despite Climate Challenges

According to the latest industry estimates, India's coffee output for the 2025-26 crop year starting October is likely to rise by around 3% compared to the 3.63 lakh tonnes (lt) estimated in 2024-25. However, growers feel the Coffee Board's initial forecast of a record high 4.03 lt may be on the higher side, as excess rain in recent months has impacted production.

The coffee season had started well with widespread blossom showers early in the year. But a prolonged monsoon from May to early October has resulted in moisture stress, particularly in key growing regions like Karnataka and Kerala, hurting the crop prospects. The chairman of the UPASI Coffee Committee expects the overall output to increase by around 10,000 tonnes to over 3.73 lt, with arabica production ranging between 1-1.10 lt and robusta between 2.6-2.7 lt.

Addressing the challenges, the Karnataka Planters Association (KPA) chairman said the impact of climate change, including unpredictable rainfall, drought, and soil erosion, is a serious threat to the long-term sustainability of coffee estates. The lack of any insurance cover has further compounded the issues for growers. KPA has urged the government to include coffee under the crop insurance scheme and provide tax exemptions for investments in sustainable practices.