Coffee

Category: Agriculture / Economy / Geography

  • Scientific classification: genus Coffea.

  • The two major commercially cultivated species in India are:

    • Arabica

    • Robusta

  • Traditional coffee-growing regions are concentrated in the Western Ghats:

    • Karnataka

    • Kerala

    • Tamil Nadu

  • Coffee cultivation is also expanding in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Northeast India.

  • Arabica generally prefers cooler, higher-altitude conditions.

  • Robusta prefers warmer and more humid conditions.

  • Indian coffee is strongly export-oriented.

  • Karnataka remains the major coffee-producing state.

Prelims comparison:

  • Arabica → higher altitude, cooler conditions.

  • Robusta → lower altitude, warmer/humid conditions.