Coffee Price Crash Leaves Kodagu Farmers in Uncertainty
- Saritha Devaiah Ballachanda
- 24 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Madikeri: After enjoying a brief spell of high coffee prices earlier this year, growers in Kodagu, Karnataka, now find themselves grappling with falling rates in the international market. Particularly affected are those cultivating Robusta, who are caught in a dilemma—should they sell now or wait, hoping for a price rebound?
In January, Robusta coffee of European Preparation (EP) quality fetched between ₹450 and ₹500 per kilogram, while Arabica prices touched ₹600 per kilogram. These steep prices had brought optimism to growers, especially since global production was impacted in Vietnam and Brazil, two of the world’s leading coffee producers. Many Kodagu planters held back their produce, expecting prices to climb even higher in the months to come.
However, those hopes have now dimmed. With global market fluctuations at play, Robusta prices have steadily dropped and are now hovering around ₹380 per kilogram. This has led to growing uncertainty among farmers.
“We were confident that the international supply issues would keep prices firm. Many of us delayed sales in the hope of better returns. But the market has moved against us, and now we’re left unsure of the next step,” said Nithin Cariappa, a coffee planter from Virajpet.
Another grower, Prema Manoj from the Madikeri, expressed concern over the unpredictability. “Every year, we deal with erratic rainfall, labour shortages, and rising input costs. When prices finally improved, we thought our patience had paid off. But now the fall in Robusta rates has made it harder for small planters to manage loans and daily expenses.”
Kodagu, often referred to as the coffee capital of Karnataka, accounts for nearly 33% of India’s coffee production. The region primarily cultivates both Arabica and Robusta varieties, with thousands of families directly or indirectly dependent on the crop for their livelihoods. Coffee cultivation also supports allied sectors like pepper farming, labour employment, and transport in the district.
With the market outlook remaining uncertain, planters are now urging government agencies and the Coffee Board to provide timely support and guidance to help them navigate the volatile coffee economy.
To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly call us at 9108795369 or mail us at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com
Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE
Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)