Karnataka's coffee planters are facing a challenging year, as they contend with a double-edged sword: historically high coffee prices and a significant 15% reduction in yield, primarily due to the erratic weather conditions of 2023 and early 2024. While the surge in global coffee prices offers a glimmer of hope, it does little to alleviate the deep concerns of growers whose crops have been severely impacted by unpredictable rainfall and fluctuating temperatures.

Coffee cultivation in Karnataka, India’s largest coffee-producing state, has been severely impacted by unusual weather, particularly heavy and uneven monsoon rains. Unlike regions like Andhra Pradesh and the Northeast, which rely on the northeast monsoon, Karnataka depends on the southwest monsoon. This year, the southwest monsoon was heavier than usual but fell unevenly, causing irregular flowering, delayed ripening, and an imbalance in berry development, leading to significant yield losses.

The Coffee Board of India, which has closely monitored the impact of the weather, estimates that Karnataka's coffee yield will fall by over 15% this year, with the three main coffee-producing districts—Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan—bearing the brunt of the damage. "The rains were not uniform, and the impact of these localised weather events was felt more strongly in Karnataka. As a result, we are seeing an irregular ripening process, with trees producing berries in different stages of maturity, from ripe to green and dried," said K.G. Jagadeesha, CEO and Secretary of the Coffee Board.

Unpredictable weather has delayed ripening and causes a drop in coffee berries, with fruit drop reported in areas with heavy rainfall. Farmers like Naj Chengappa from Devarapura are seeing multiple blossoms on the same tree, leading to uneven growth. "It’s not just the quantity, but the quality too. Irregular ripening affects both yield and quality," said Chengappa.

This disruption comes as global coffee prices reach record highs, driven by supply issues in Brazil and Vietnam, which have faced adverse weather, reducing yields and exports. As a result, Indian coffee, including from Karnataka, has gained global traction, pushing prices up. However, Jagadeesha noted that the price rise won’t offset the yield loss. "While prices are higher, they don't compensate for the reduced production, and the market remains uncertain," he said.

In the face of these challenges, the Coffee Board is urging farmers to adopt climate-resilient practices to mitigate the effects of erratic weather patterns. Jagadeesha highlighted the importance of water conservation techniques, including rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation systems, which could help farmers buffer against future weather disruptions. Additionally, he emphasized the need for organic farming practices such as mulching, which can help retain soil moisture and improve crop resilience.

The challenges faced by Karnataka’s coffee growers highlight a broader issue confronting agriculture worldwide: the impact of climate change on crop production. For many farmers, unpredictable weather patterns are becoming the new normal, and the industry must adapt to this uncertainty. While high coffee prices offer a brief respite, the road ahead for Karnataka’s coffee industry remains fraught with challenges, with growers now focusing on resilience and sustainability in the face of an increasingly volatile climate.