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Karnataka Coffee Output Faces 20 Percent Drop Due to El Nino
M
Moneycontrol•13-10-2026, 11:05
Karnataka Coffee Output Faces 20 Percent Drop Due to El Nino
- •Karnataka coffee production could drop 15 to 20% in 2026-27 due to rising temperatures, erratic rain, and prolonged dry spells driven by super El Nino conditions.
- •The Karnataka Planters Association has warned of a severe contraction, while the United Planters Association of South India expects a smaller fall of 7 to 10% across south India and the Northeast.
- •KPA president Salman Baseer stated that Karnataka's post-blossom estimate stands at 2.8 lakh MT, warning that ongoing drought conditions will severely impact the state plantation economy.
- •Planters warn that the real danger to productivity lies beyond this year if heat stress and long dry spells continue into early 2027.
- •Despite production concerns, office-bearers noted that coffee prices in Indian and global markets are unlikely to see significant volatility in 2026-27.
Key Questions Answered
Coffee production in Karnataka is projected to fall by 15 to 20% in 2026-27 due to rising temperatures, erratic rain, and prolonged dry spells.
The Coffee Board estimated the country's post-blossom output at 4 lakh metric tonnes, while the KPA placed Karnataka's post-blossom estimate at 2.8 lakh metric tonnes.
Intensifying super El Nino conditions over the Indian subcontinent are bringing rising temperatures, erratic rains, and prolonged dry spells that threaten plantations.
