Coffee has grown in India since the 17th century, when according to tradition, the saint Baba Budan planted seven seeds in the hills of Chikkamagaluru. Today India grows coffee on almost 4.9 lakh hectares, mostly in the Western Ghats of South India, and produced about 3.6 lakh tonnes in 2023-24.
Here's where that coffee grows, how Arabica and Robusta compare, and what it means for the filter coffee in your cup.
Karnataka grows most of India's coffee: about half of the planted area and over 70% of production. Robusta makes up 48% of the planted area but around 72% of the coffee produced, because it gives a much higher yield than Arabica.
How India's coffee area has grown since 1950
The Coffee Board of India's records go back to 1950-51. Since then, the area under coffee has grown more than five times, and the balance between Arabica and Robusta has shifted.
| Year | Arabica (ha) | Robusta (ha) | Total (ha) | Arabica share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950-51 | 67,613 | 24,910 | 92,523 | 73% |
| 2021-22 | 2,42,752 | 2,28,904 | 4,71,656 | 52% |
| 2023-24 | 2,55,227 | 2,34,393 | 4,89,620 | 52% |
In 1950-51, nearly three-quarters of India's coffee land was Arabica. Robusta spread quickly after that and, by 1990-91, covered more land than Arabica. It stayed ahead for over 25 years. Since 2017-18, Arabica has been slightly ahead again, with much of the new Arabica planted in Andhra Pradesh.
Coffee planted area in India, 1950-51 to 2023-24. Source: Coffee Board of India.
Coffee by state: where India's coffee grows
India's coffee regions are usually grouped into traditional areas (Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu), non-traditional areas (Andhra Pradesh and Odisha) and the North East.
| Region | Arabica (ha) | Robusta (ha) | Total (ha) | Share of area | Share of production |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | 1,05,219 | 1,43,723 | 2,48,942 | 50.8% | 70.6% |
| Kerala | 4,238 | 81,719 | 85,957 | 17.6% | 20.5% |
| Tamil Nadu | 29,642 | 6,272 | 35,914 | 7.3% | 5.4% |
| Andhra Pradesh & Odisha | 1,12,479 | 236 | 1,12,714 | 23.0% | 3.5% |
| North East | 3,649 | 2,443 | 6,092 | 1.2% | under 0.1% |
| India | 2,55,227 | 2,34,393 | 4,89,620 | 100% | 100% |
Planted area and production share for 2023-24 (provisional). Source: Coffee Board of India.
Karnataka: India's coffee heartland
Karnataka has about half of India's coffee land and produced 2,54,575 tonnes in 2023-24, or 70.6% of the country's coffee. It's the biggest grower of both types: Robusta alone from Karnataka makes up about half of all the coffee India produces.
The main coffee districts are Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu (Coorg) and Hassan. Chikkamagaluru is where coffee first took root in India, and it's where the beans in Namma Coffee come from. For a district-by-district breakdown, see India's top coffee-growing districts.
Kerala: the Robusta state
Kerala's coffee is almost all Robusta: about 95% of its planted area. Most of it grows in Wayanad, with smaller areas in the Travancore and Nelliampathy regions. Kerala produced about 20.5% of India's coffee in 2023-24, making it the second-largest producer.
Tamil Nadu: hill-grown Arabica
In Tamil Nadu, more than 80% of the coffee area is Arabica. It grows in the hill ranges: the Pulneys (Palani Hills), Nilgiris, Shevaroys (Yercaud) and Anamalais. Tamil Nadu's share of production is smaller, at about 5.4%, but its high-altitude Arabica is known for its mild, aromatic cup.
Andhra Pradesh and Odisha: the new Arabica frontier
The fastest change has come in the non-traditional areas, mainly the Araku Valley and the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh now has 1,07,128 hectares of Arabica, slightly more than Karnataka.
These areas still produce only about 3.5% of India's coffee, because many plantations are young and yields are lower. As they mature, their share of production is likely to grow.
The North East
Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and the other north-eastern states grow coffee on about 6,000 hectares. It's a small but growing region.
Arabica vs Robusta: why the numbers don't match
Arabica and Robusta each cover about half of India's coffee land, but their output is very different:
- Arabica: 52% of the area, but 28% of production (1,01,500 tonnes)
- Robusta: 48% of the area, but 72% of production (2,59,000 tonnes)
Coffee production in India, 1950-51 to 2023-24. Source: Coffee Board of India.
Robusta plants are hardier, grow at lower altitudes and give a much bigger harvest from the same land. Arabica grows higher up, yields less and needs more care, but it's prized for its aroma and smoother taste.
| Arabica | Robusta | |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Aromatic, smooth, slightly fruity | Strong, bold, full-bodied |
| Caffeine | Lower | Higher |
| Grows at | Higher altitudes | Lower altitudes |
| Yield | Lower | Higher |
| Main Indian regions | Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu | Karnataka, Kerala |
What this means for your filter coffee
South Indian filter coffee usually uses both types. Arabica brings aroma and smoothness. Robusta brings strength and body, so the decoction holds its flavour once you add milk.
Namma Coffee uses Plantation A, Peaberry and Robusta beans from Chikkamagaluru, medium-roasted in small batches and ground for the South Indian filter. Our blends range from 100% coffee to 50:50 coffee and chicory, so you can pick the strength you like.
Frequently asked questions
Which state produces the most coffee in India?
Karnataka. In 2023-24 it produced 2,54,575 tonnes, about 70.6% of India's coffee.
Where is coffee grown in India?
Mainly in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Coffee is also grown in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha (the Eastern Ghats) and in the North East.
Does India grow more Arabica or Robusta?
The planted area is almost equal (52% Arabica, 48% Robusta), but India produces far more Robusta: about 72% of the total in 2023-24.
Which coffee is better for filter coffee, Arabica or Robusta?
A blend of both. Arabica adds aroma and Robusta adds body and strength, which suits filter coffee made with milk.
Figures are from the Coffee Board of India's Database on Coffee (July 2024). 2023-24 figures are provisional.
Taste coffee from India's original coffee region. Try the Classic Blend (80:20 coffee-chicory) or the Pure Blend (100% coffee).
