The production of coffee is estimated to be higher at 5.2 million 60 kg bags in Marketing Year 2015-16 (October-September period), as per data compiled by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The 2015-16 crop is expected to be higher than the 2014-15 production estimate on account of higher Arabica and Robusta crop production as favorable blossom showers are expected to boost crop yields.
Robusta is the more popular variety and constitutes over 70% of the coffee production in India. The Arabica crop is expected to bear slightly higher fruit than last year as aging plantations continue to be replaced and replanted. The coffee plant takes nearly three to five years to develop from seed to first flowering and fruit production. Traditionally, the harvest of Arabica takes place from November to January, while for Robusta harvest is December to February.
The coffee production estimate for Marketing Year (MY) 2014-15 remains unchanged at 5.1 million 60 kg bags which is below the Coffee Board post monsoon estimate of 5.5 million 60 kg bags. Prolonged dry weather from mid-March harmed plant development and an unusually wet southwest monsoon with continuous rains for more than 60 days led to berry droppings, defoliation, and the emergence of fungal diseases. These heavy rains in key growing regions appear to have reduced yields of the Arabica crop in particular.