Coffee Board predicts marginal drop in coffee crop

KOCHI: Coffee Board has predicted a marginal drop in the 2016-17 coffee crop in its post monsoon estimate from its earlier estimate in stark contrast to the calculation of the growers, who have forecast anywhere from 10 to 20% drop in the output due to inadequate rains.

The board has pegged the post monsoon crop of 2016-17 at 316,700 tonnes, around 1.03 % fall from the post blossom estimate of 320,000 tonnes, assuaging the fear of the growers. The drop is mainly from arabica beans output which has been put at 96,200 tonnes, a fall of 3.80% from the earlier estimate. The robusta crop has shown a marginal increase of 500 tonnes at 220,500 tonnes as per the data.

Though the south west monsoon has been insufficient in most of the coffee growing areas, the fruit drop was minimal which led to the marginal decline in the post monsoon estimate , according to a board statement. If the monsoon rains were severe the berry drop could be about 5%, it added.

The reduction has mainly come from Karnataka, the largest grower followed by Tamil Nadu at 3045 tonnes and 1000 tonnes respectively. However, Kerala has reported a marginal increase of 850 tonnes.

Lower production figures have been attributed to delayed blossom and backing showers coupled with high temperatures. The hot and humid weather coupled with insufficient showers resulted in poor blossom especially in robusta. The board ,however, said the sluggish north-east monsoon may affect the bean size and the final output.