The unique flavours and aromas of Indian coffees can be attributed to the different coffee producing states in India and the specific regions within those states where they are grown.
India is one of the top coffee producers in the world, with a production estimate of 3.74 Lakh MT for the year 2023-2024.
The hilly tracts of Southern Indian states concentrate most of the coffee plantations that contribute to coffee production in India.
There are three types of coffee producing states in India: traditional, non-traditional, and northeastern regions.
Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are traditional coffee producing states. Andhra Pradesh and Orissa in the eastern ghats are non-traditional states, and the northeastern states come under the northeastern region.
Let’s explore the details of all these major coffee producing states.
| Rank | State | Production (in MT- Metric Tons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Karnataka | 2,66,885 |
| 2 | Kerala | 72,825 |
| 3 | Tamil Nadu | 18,435 |
| 4 | Andhra Pradesh | 15,380 |
| 5 | Odisha | 500 |
| 6 | Northeastern Region | 175 |
| India – Total | 3,74,200 |
1. Karnataka – Largest Coffee Producing State
The southern Indian State of Karnataka is the largest coffee producing state in India, with a massive production of 2.66 Lakh MT. Karnataka alone accounts for 71.3% of India’s coffee production.
Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan districts of this state are famous for their coffee production.
The mist-covered hills, the ideal temperature, and the fertile soils of these regions created an environment for the rise of coffee cultivation in this state.
Farmers cultivate both Robusta and Arabica varieties in large areas of this state. Among them, Robusta is predominantly cultivated.
The Kodagu coffee grown in the hills of Madikeri, Virajpet, and Coorg regions has an international reputation due to its unique and delightful flavour.
Coffee tourism in Karnataka is providing a perfect setting to explore the world of coffee.
An interesting fact is that coffee cultivation in India started in Karnataka. It dates back to the 17th century. The Sufi saint Baba Budan introduced these.
It is intriguing that coffee cultivation in India started in Karnataka. Its history traces back to the 17th century when the Sufi saint Baba Budan introduced coffee cultivation to this region by planting seven coffee beans he brought from Yemen.
2. Kerala
The state of Kerala contributes a significant portion of India’s coffee production. This state produced 0.728 Lakh Mt of coffee during 2023-24, which is 19.46% of the coffee production in India.
Wayanad, Travancore, and Nelliampathies districts in Kerala are famous for coffee plantations. This state stands second among the coffee producing states in India.
Several regions of these districts, particularly the western ghats, have climatic conditions that favour coffee plantations. The high humidity, adequate rainfall and temperatures along the well-drained soils created an ideal environment for coffee cultivation.
The coffee grown in this region is predominantly Robusta type. However, farmers also grow a significant amount of Arabica coffee.
Kerala’s Robusta coffees exhibit a full-bodied nature, with slight bitterness and notes of dark chocolate.
The monsooned malabar coffee is a special delicacy of this state.
In addition to tea tourism, Kerala attracts visitors with its coffee tourism. visitors can tour coffee plantations, see the roasting, grinding and powdering processes, and sample a range of coffee varieties.
3. Tamil Nadu
With an estimated production of 18435 MT of Coffee, Tamil Nadu stands third among the coffee producing states in India.
Coffee beans produced in Tamilnadu have a distinct fruity and floral flavour with hints of citrus and nuts. They usually exhibit strong chocolate afternotes with sweet and fruit flavours coming through.
Nilgiris, Pulneys, and Shevoys are the main regions that produce coffee in Tamil Nadu.
The Nilagiri coffee from this state captivates coffee lovers with its unique aroma and distinctive flavour.
This State primarily cultivates Arabica coffee variety, but there is also a notable production of Robusta type in the Nilgiris area.
Coffee cultivation in Tamil Nadu is often done utilizing shade-growing techniques under the canopy of trees. This helps to maintain moisture in the soil and protects the plants from harsh sunlight.
4. Andhra Pradesh
The State of Andhra Pradesh is a non-traditional coffee growing state that has emerged fast in the list of coffee producing states in India.
Andhra Pradesh produced 15380 MT of coffee during 2023-24, accounting for 4.1% of the National share.
The Araku Valley, Paderu, Chintapalli and RV Nagar are the regions where coffee is cultivated in this state.
The main objective of the state in expanding its coffee plantations is to provide employment to tribal farmers in these regions and to stop the shifting cultivation (Podu).
Araku coffee from Andhra Pradesh has gained an international reputation for its rare aromatic profile and flavours.
Approximately 90% of the Araku coffee produced is exported to other countries, significantly contributing to India’s coffee exports. This also helps strengthen the local economy and provides employment.
Farmers cultivate coffee on 4,010 hectares of land in this state, mainly the Arabica variety.
5. Odisha
Although Odisha is a minor contributor to the coffee industry in India, it is gradually emerging as a noteworthy player in the coffee producing states.
The estimated coffee production of Odisha for the years 2023-24 is 500 MT, which accounts for 0.13% of the National Share.
Coffee produced in this state is Arabica type.
The Koraput coffee from Odisha has gained recognition both domestically and internationally for its quality and unique flavours.
Most of the coffee farmers in Odisha are smallholders belonging to tribal communities.
Coffee produced here is mostly forest-grown using sustainable practices like shade growing under the canopy of large trees.
6. Northeastern States
All the seven sister states, along with brother state Sikkim in the northeastern region, together have an estimated production of 175 MT of coffee during 2023-24, as per the coffee board.
This accounts for less than 1% of total coffee production in India. However, the Northeastern region has an excellent potential for coffee production in India.
Coffee is planted in an area of around 4700 ha of Land in the northeastern region.
Assam
Not only does Assam top the list of the Top 10 tea producing states in India, but it is also famed for its coffee production.
Despite the 429 hectares of coffee cultivated in Assam, The amount of coffee produced per hectare is very high. This makes Assam stand out among coffee producing states in India.
The unique flavour profiles and rich aroma of Assam coffee have earned it renowned recognition globally.
Dibrugarh and Jorhat districts have several regions that favour coffee cultivation. Arabica type is primarily cultivated in this state.
Arunachal Pradesh
The state of Arunachal Pradesh has a lot of potential to contribute to coffee production in India.
Though this state is a minor contributor currently cultivating coffee in 479 ha, the coffee board has found 3980 ha of Land suitable for cultivating coffee in this state. This opens a vast potential for Arunachal in the coffee industry in India.
Meghalaya
The hilly regions of Meghalaya favour the coffee plantations. Farmers grow both Arabic and Robusta coffee varieties in this state.
The first coffee plantation in Meghalaya reportedly started in 1877 and now spans 1,100 ha.
The east and west garo hills regions in this state are famous for coffee production. Prized for its delicate acidity and fruity flavours, Meghalaya coffee draws its characteristics from the region’s soil and microclimate.
Mizoram
Mizoram is one of the major producers of coffee among the states of the northeastern region. Coffee cultivation is spread over 1300 ha in Mizoram. However, the productivity per hectare is low.
This state cultivates predominantly Arabica coffee but has considerable Robusta plantations. Arabica is mainly grown in the steep terrains of Mizoram.
Nagaland
Nagaland is fast emerging among the coffee producing states in northeast India, cultivating this crop in 932 ha.
This is mainly due to the efforts of the government and various NGOs that promote coffee cultivation to combat shifting cultivation practices.
The Nagaland coffee has a very delightful, sweet flavour and rich aroma.
Tripura
With its favourable climatic conditions and fertile soil, Tripura has several regions apt for coffee cultivation.
Most coffee producers in Tripura cultivate organic coffee by using sustainable practices.
The cultivation of coffee in this state mainly occurs in the Kumarghat and Jampui hills of the Unakoti district, with a minor presence in the Southern District.
Manipur
This northeastern state is gradually venturing into coffee production due to its apt soil fertility and climate. Manipur has over 240 hectares of Land that cultivates Arabica coffee.
Sikkim
Despite being a minor player in coffee production, Sikkim has gained recognition for its organic coffee.
Sikkim coffee beans develop a unique flavour profile due to their growth in the Himalayan climate and on fertile soils.