Robusta coffee farmers in South India are celebrating a successful harvest season as their yields reach unprecedented high prices.
Recent reports from the Wayanad market indicate a remarkable surge in the farmgate price of raw Robusta coffee berries, reaching a peak of ₹172 per kilogram (kg). This is a significant increase compared to last year’s price of ₹115 per kg for the same period. Moreover, the spot price of Robusta coffee beans has soared to ₹315 per kg, up from ₹210 per kg in 2023. These figures represent a substantial leap from the prices of ₹80 and ₹145 per kg for raw berries and beans, respectively, observed in March 2022.
Salu George, a respected coffee trader in Wayanad, attributes this surge in prices to a notable decrease in coffee supply this year. He highlights adverse climatic conditions, particularly the lack of adequate rainfall during the blossom season in Robusta-growing regions, as a significant factor contributing to the reduced harvest.
The global market has also been impacted by a significant decline in Robusta coffee production, notably in countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, which are major producers of this variety. This decline, amounting to nearly 2 million bags in Vietnam alone, has further bolstered prices.
An interesting development is the reversal in the pricing dynamics between Arabica and Robusta coffee. Previously, Arabica coffee commanded premium prices, but now Robusta is surpassing it due to its limited availability.
Farmers are anticipating a similar decline in production next year, as insufficient rainfall continues to plague Robusta coffee-growing regions. In Wayanad, Kerala, which is one of the largest producers of Robusta coffee in India, irregular rainfall patterns have been a cause for concern. Despite initial showers in January aiding in blossom formation, the absence of subsequent rains crucial for berry development remains a challenge.
According to the Coffee Board of India, the total coffee production in India during the 2022-23 fiscal year was 3,52,000 tonnes, with Robusta coffee accounting for 2,52,000 tonnes of this total. Meanwhile, the value of India’s coffee exports has witnessed a significant increase during the current season, reaching ₹5,279 crore compared to ₹3,982 crore in the preceding season.
Read More :
