Cultivation of Arabica coffee has declined in Chikkamagaluru district in last two decades.
Credit: DH Photo
Chikkamagaluru: Though the price of Arabica coffee has touched Rs 600 per kg, the cultivation of Arabica coffee in the district has significantly declined. Also, the existing crops have suffered a massive drop in yield.
Bababudangiri is considered the birthplace of coffee. The cultivation of coffee here began with the Arabica variety known for its unique flavour and taste. Initially, the district had 70% Arabica and 30% Robusta coffee. However, in the last 15 to 20 years, the area under Arabica coffee cultivation has declined. Now, Arabica is cultivated in less than 30% of the area.
Compared to Robusta, Arabica plants are sensitive and get infected with diseases. The maintenance of the Arabica plantation is also expensive, said growers.
Arabica coffee is cultivated on a large scale on the foothills of Bababudangiri, Mallandur, Malnad area in Tarikere taluk. However, there is no yield this year in these plantations. Compared to last year, the yield has been reduced by 65% this year, claimed growers.
They say that growers who were getting 100 bags of coffee cherries in previous years have harvested only 35 bags this time. As a result, growers are unable to reap the benefit of the better price for coffee. Owing to heavy rainfall, the yield has reduced drastically, said many growers.
“Fifteen years ago, Arabica coffee accounted for 70% of the total coffee cultivation, but it has now declined to 30%. Moreover, unfavourable weather conditions have further reduced this year’s yield,” said Coffee Board Chairman Dinesh Devavrinda.
Why less yield?
“Compared to last year, the yield is only about 35%,” said Girish Holadagadde, General Secretary of the Coffee Belegarara Hitharakshana Vedike.
He explained that coffee prices have reached an all-time high but the yield
of Arabica coffee has dropped significantly. Excessive rainfall, rot disease, withered coffee beans, and fruits falling off due to strong winds have all contributed to the decline in yield.
“Looking at the newly sprouting buds, there is hope for a better harvest next year. If we get pre-monsoon shower on time, a good yield can be expected,” he added.