Unseasonal Rains Disrupt Coffee Harvest in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan, Karnataka

Unseasonal rains disrupt coffee drying during peak harvest. Photo used for representative purposes only

Madikeri/Chikkamagaluru: Unseasonal rainfall over the past few days has caused widespread disruption across major coffee-growing regions of Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan, severely affecting harvesting operations and post-harvest processes.

Coffee growers say the unexpected spell of rain has come at a critical time, interfering with bean picking and the drying of harvested cherries, while also damaging newly emerged blossoms that determine the next season’s yield.

Planters explain that persistent wet conditions have slowed down the drying of processed coffee in curing yards, increasing the risk of quality deterioration. Prolonged moisture exposure can lead to fungal infections, including stalk rot and root diseases, which threaten the long-term health of coffee plants. Adding to growers’ worries, the delicate blossoms that are expected to develop into berries for the upcoming crop cycle have also been impacted.

Subbaiah, a coffee grower from Virajpet, told The Kodagu Express that continued rainfall during the harvest season could result in significant losses. He warned that if the weather does not stabilise soon, both the current harvest and future production could be compromised.

Echoing these concerns, Shishir, a planter from Mudigere in Chikkamagaluru, said the early arrival of blossom showers has disrupted harvesting schedules and may damage fresh blossoms, further deepening growers’ financial stress.

In Kodagu, light to moderate rainfall has been reported across several parts of the district since January 13, 2026. Planters from Kadangamur in Virajpet said that the village alone received around 1.30 inches of rainfall on Wednesday, January 14. Growers noted that the sudden downpour has made it difficult to dry harvested coffee beans, while the continued wet conditions are also likely to damage berries still on the plants awaiting harvest.

In light of the adverse conditions, coffee planters have urged both the Central and State governments to step in with relief measures. Subbaiah appealed to banks to assess the extent of crop damage and consider restructuring existing loans to help the plantation community withstand the losses caused by the erratic weather.

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