Traditionally, coffee production was in the Western Ghats allocated over Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu in India. Coffee farming is also overgrowing in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha’s non-traditional parts and the North-East states. Coffee is mainly an export-oriented thing, and 65% to 70% of the coffee grown in the country exports while the rest is finish within the country. Indian coffee has made a niche for itself in the global market. The Indian Coffees create a high premium, especially Indian Robusta, which is highly desired for its excellent blending quality. Arabica Coffee from India is also well received in the global market.
Indian coffee is the most impressive of beverages, offering fascinating subtlety and producing intensity. India is the only nation that makes its coffee beneath the shade. These coffees are typically mild and not too acidic, and these coffees possess an exotic full-bodied taste and a delicate aroma.
Coffee Growing Climate Condition
Climatic requirements play a significant role in coffee farming. The Coffee Arabica can grow at high altitudes from 900 m to 1600 m. However, it can develop well to lower heights as well. The main disadvantage of having coffee beans at high altitudes can be late maturity, and the crop may damage due to frost and high winds. The coffee crop thrives well with an evenly distributed annual rainfall of 2,200 to 2300 mm for rainfall requirements. However, this crop is exposed to high rainfall conditions, which may cause rotting of leaves and fungal disease. The coffee farm requires shade in regions where high temperatures are possible.
Soil Requirement for Coffee Growing
Coffee crops may grow on a wide range of soils. However, the sandy loam with good organic value to virgin soils on steep mountain slopes or almost flatlands is ideal for cultivation. The water proportion of soil can play a vital role in coffee farming. Therefore, commercial coffee planters should go for soil testing. Any soil nutrient depletion should increase before starting a coffee garden. For high yields and rate of production, the pH of the soil should be between 5.0 – 6.0.
Coffee Growing Propagation
Seeds and cuttings propagate coffee crops. The selection of quality seeds is essential in coffee growing. Make sure the roots are heavy, broad, and boat-shaped. Remove any pulp from sources by hand, and these seeds should rub with ash to avoid any bonding. Coffee seeds should permit to dry under shade. Generally, from 4000 to 5000 coffee seeds must protect one-hectare land. It suggests sowing these seeds 2.5 cm apart. After planting in the field or nursery beds, it takes about 30 to 40 days for germination.
Coffee Growing Preparation of Land
The land should design for better coffee orchard organization by offering 4 or 5 plowings and harrowing to get the soil to a delicate tilth stage. As part of this practice, remove any stones/debris/ and weeds from earlier crops. In addition, commercial coffee growers should consider soil testing to measure soil fertility and suitability. Finally, before growing the seedlings, any nutrients and micronutrients should raise in the soil. They should mix by ploughing and disking the soil for several months before transplanting the coffee seedlings in the field. New Holland Excel tractor model is used for preparing the land.
Irrigation in Coffee Growing
The frequency of irrigation in coffee-growing depends on the type of soil, moisture level in the soil, plant age and climate. Many irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, microjet, and basin irrigation, can assume in coffee Growing. However, drip irrigation is the most suitable method for utilizing water and fertilizers. This can also control weed development at plant basins. Under rinsed conditions, each coffee plant requires 50 to 55 mm water applied before transplanting. Following irrigations of 25 mm should be provided at 8 to 10 days intervals. Make sure to keep the soil watery and avoid too much moisture. Overwatering can result in plant root and fungal diseases in coffee growing. The thumb rule is to deliver 2 irrigations in a week in dry climatic requirements and 1 irrigation week in the fantastic winter season.
Coffee Harvesting
Coffee beans start bearing from the third year onwards after transplanting in the field. Healthy and best yield can receive from the fifth year. The best part is, the coffee farm continues to yield. The Mahindra Jivo tractor model comes with a reasonable price range. That’s why farmers are attracted to this tractor.
- You can pick ripe berries from the coffee plant from October to February. Generally, this is a small-scale selection.
- However, during December, choosing well-ripened and formed coffee berries/beans is recommended. This is the primary harvesting method of coffee berries.
- This process use for picking all the berries left on the plant, irrespective of the development stage.
- In addition, this method applies to gathering the fruits that have to settle during harvesting.
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