India’s coffee exports may decline by 24 per cent to 4.2 million bags of 60 kg each (about 2.52 lakh tonnes) in the current marketing year that started last month, the US Department of Agriculture said in a report.
The country had shipped 5.5 million bags (about 3.3 lakh tonnes) in the 2010-11 marketing year (October-September).
“India’s 2010/11 coffee exports are estimated at a record 5.5 million 60 kg bags as strong international prices led to increased demand for Indian coffee...2011/12 exports are forecast at 4.2 million bags,” USDA said in a report.
The department noted that rupee has weakened by nearly 10 per cent against the dollar over the past month and could support larger exports if the exchange rate holds for a significant period of time.
USDA has pegged India’s coffee production at 5.2 million bags (about 3.12 lakh tonnes) in the current marketing year against 5 million bags (about three lakh tonnes) in the last marketing year.
“India’s 2011 crop has benefited from well-distributed rains during much of the growing season in addition to pre-season rains that helped establish early growth and support soil moisture levels,” it said.
In Karnataka, a major coffee producer in the country, output is expected on the higher side on account of good weather and high prices, which have encouraged the producers.
Similarly, favourable weather conditions will help the producers in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In the case of Tamil Nadu, the current year is an ‘Up year’ in the alternate bearing pattern cycle, it added.
“Reports of disease or infestation by the white stem borer are minimal, but the extent of any damage will become clearer as harvest progresses,” the USDA said.