Coffee Board predicts 9% dip in production for 2016-17 season

NEW DELHI: The Coffee Board has predicted about 9 per cent dip in production for the 2016-17 season due to erratic rains in February and March in the Western Ghats, Parliament was informed today.

Changing climatic conditions especially erratic rainfall and high temperature have aggravated the problem, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

She also said that the white stem borer is one of the major pests affecting Arabica coffee in India.


Also Read: A look at how Indian consumers have been steadily changing their patterns of drinking coffee

"The Coffee Board has predicted a decline of about 9 per cent in coffee production for the 2016-17 season in comparison with the previous year (2015-16)," the minister said.

The main coffee growing states include Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. India is one of the major exporters of the commodity.

Also Read: Coffee lovers, rejoice! Caffeine may boost your attention span

Replying to a separate question, the minister said Asian Development Bank has submitted the final report on conceptual development plan of Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor.

ADB has approved USD 631 million (Rs 4,165 crore) in loans and grants for infrastructure development along VCIC in September last year.