Impact of Excessive Rainfall

Excessive rainfall in vital coffee-growing regions of India poses a significant threat to the 2024-25 coffee crop. Growers are concerned about the impact of continuous rains, which have led to berry droppings and fungal diseases such as black root rot. This situation could result in a substantial reduction in coffee output for the upcoming crop year.

• The coffee-growing districts of Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan have experienced excessive and continuous rainfall over the past several weeks.
• In Chikkamagaluru, rainfall was 121% above average in July, with 1,101 mm recorded against the usual 497.7 mm.
• Kodagu received 54% excess rain, recording 1,179.5 mm against the normal 767.3 mm.
• Similarly, Hassan experienced a 38% surplus in rainfall.

Damage to Coffee Plants

The incessant rains have caused significant damage to coffee plants. According to the President of the Karnataka Growers Federation (KGF), the rains have led to berry droppings and fungal infections, which could result in crop losses of up to 60%. Additionally, heavy winds accompanying the rains have uprooted shade trees, causing further collateral damage to coffee plantations.

Response from Growers

The KGF has approached the Coffee Board and the State government seeking intervention and relief for the damages. They have requested the Centre to provide relief to growers under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and to increase the quantum of relief. Furthermore, they have urged the government to extend the relief slab to 10 hectares per grower, up from the present 2 hectares.

Broader Implications

The Chairman of the Codagu Planters Association noted that plantations in South Kodagu, bordering Kerala, have been severely impacted, with crop losses likely to reach up to 40% due to berry dropping and fungal diseases. Growers have also faced challenges from the white stem borer during April-May, exacerbated by unusually high temperatures and erratic pre-monsoon showers.The continuous rains have affected coffee and other plantation crops, such as pepper. According to a grower in Mudigere, the weather conditions have hindered essential cultural operations, including the application of manure and Bordeaux mixture, which are critical for crop health and output.

India's coffee production exceeds 35 k tonnes annually, with Karnataka accounting for over 70% of the output. However, the excessive rains have caused significant challenges. The adverse weather conditions have led to substantial crop losses and threaten the overall output for the 2024-25 season. The government must provide timely relief and support to the affected growers to mitigate the impact of these losses.