Coffee production in the state of Kerala is likely to decline due to heavy and continuous rains in the Wayanad region, farmers said. Kerala accounts for about 25% of the country?s coffee production and 21% of the total cultivating area. Wayanad produces 82% of Kerala?s coffee, with the robusta variety accounting for almost 98% of the total output.
The continuous downpour has seen shriveling and falling of coffee berries? due to fungus attack. Production is likely to decrease by almost 5% of the post-blossom estimate made by the Coffee Board, according to the Wayand Coffee Growers? Association.
?Shade cropping has been affected in many regions and the crop is likely to suffer. Without proper shade-cropping fungus attack increase due to the unavailability of sunlight,? association president K Moidu told FE. The correct assessment of the loss can only be made post-monsoon but there are reports of crop loss coming from various regions, he added.
Berry initiation and elongation of coffee depends on the volume of rain and moisture content of the environment. The excess moisture and overcast sky is also seen affecting the quality of the coffee. According to estimates of the Coffee Board, Kerala?s Arabica crop for 2007-08 is projected at 1,350 tonne (down 1.82% from the level of 1,375 tonne).