Coffee Industry in India – Stamps on Coffee -India

Coffee Industry in India – Stamps on Coffee -India

Indian Coffee – Story through Stamps Part 1- Coffee comes to India

According to International Coffee Organization Brazil was World’s leading producer of Coffee in 2013 with an output of  49 million 60 kg bags.

There are two species of Coffee Arabica & Robusta . Arabica accounts for 70% of World’s and Brazil’s production whereas Robusta accounts for balance 30%. In Brazil Arabica is grown in the coffee clusters led by Minas Gerais whereas 80% of robusta is grown in Espirito Santo.  Rondonia is also now growing robusta in large numbers.

Coffee Introduction In India – It is believed that a Traveller from Mecca while returning via Yemen brought seven coffee beans and planted then in Chandragiri hills in Mysore in Chikkamagaluru District. Coffee plantations started in Karnataka thereafter from 1670s till British Colonial Rulers helped in its to Wynads in Kerala and Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu.

South India Hill Tracts – Coffee plantation in India takes place South Indian Hill Tracts Karnataka accounts for 71% , Kerala 21% and Tamil Nadu 5% of the Production. In India Coffee is grown in regions where there is 2500-4000 mm of rainfall in 100 days of Year followed by a continuous dry period of similar duration.

Coffee Board – The Indian Coffee Board was established in 1942 and it controlled the Coffee exports. However the Liberalization from 1991 on wards has resulted in allowing growers to sell their produce anywhere.

Coffee Varieties in India – Arabica, Robusta and Hybids are grown in India. Karnataka accounts for 70% of rust tolerant hybrid variety of Arabica. Indian Coffee is said to be the Finest coffee grown in shade anywhere in the World.

Indian Stamps on Coffee – The First Stamp issued by India Post on Coffee was Four Paisa Definitive issue featuring Coffee Berries on 15 May 1968.