Pre-monsoon rains ease concerns among coffee growers
April 20, 2021
Untimely rains in Jan-Feb may lead to early harvest in some areas in Karnataka
After an erratic start, key coffee-growing regions of the country in Karnataka and Kerala have started receiving pre-monsoon rains, easing concerns among growers.
“We have had good rains in the past few days in all the three districts, which is good for both Arabicas and Robustas,” said S Appadurai, Chairman, Karnataka Planters’ Association (KPA).
Parts of major coffee-growing districts — Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu and Hassan — had received rains in January and early February, which was untimely, and had triggered blossoms in both varieties. Rains in February coincided with the harvest of Robustas, delaying pickings in some regions. “We should have got backing rains within 25 days of the February rains, but people who didn’t receive the rains had started irrigating Robustas. Also, these rains will help blossom in some Arabica growing regions and should ease concerns,” he said.