The post blossom crop forecast for the year 2009-10 is placed at 306,300 MT, which is an increase of 13,300 MT (4.54%) over the previous 2008-09 season’s post blossom estimate of 2,93,000 MT.

The arabica and robusta break up is 101,525 MT and 204,775 MT respectively. Arabica production forecast to be higher by 1,525 MT (1.53%) and robusta production by 11,775 MT (6.10%) over the post blossom forecast of 2008-09 of 293,000 MT.

By the states, the gain has mainly come from Karnataka to an extent 7,305 MT followed by Tamil Nadu 2,925 MT, Kerala 2,350 MT and Non Traditional Areas 720 MT.

In Karnataka compared to the previous post blossom estimate, the increase in production has come from the districts of Chikmagalur and Kodagu with 5.92% (4,250 MT) and 3.15% (3,605 MT) while in Hassan there was a marginal decline of 550 MT (-1.96%). Between arabica and robusta in Karnataka, the increase is from robusta alone (8,855 MT) while arabica has declined by 1550 MT (-1.91%). The major zones, which have shown increase are, Giris (14.51%), Balehonnur (13.79%), Chikmagalur (11.63%) and Koppa (10.21%) zones of Chikmagalur district, Napoklu (20.80%), Virajpet (19.14%) and Gonikoppal (11.10%) zones of Kodagu district and Hanbal (18.35%) zone of Hassan district.

Good and well distributed rainfall during October to March helped in moisture retention for longer period which in-turn helped in the production of more bearing wood for the crop during the current season. Further the blossom and backing showers were reported to be good and adequate in almost all the coffee growing zones of Karnataka. Generally lower crop in the previous season especially in arabica, coupled with good weather and bush condition and better husbandry practices has helped to regain production in Karnataka Zones. Accounting this, the crop forecast for Karnataka is placed at 79,720 MT of arabica and 141,755 MT of robusta totaling 221,475 MT. Overall, there is 3.41% increase over the previous season’s post blossom production in Karnataka (214,170 MT), which is due to increase in robusta production of 6.66% while that of arabica declined by 1.91%.

Kerala coffee zones also have received adequate and timely blossom and backing showers. As no adverse effect on crop was reported especially in coffee growing districts of Wayanad and Nelliampathies though there is a marginal decline in Travancore. Accounting this the post blossom estimates for the 2009-10 is placed at 59,550 MT, which is an increase of 4.11% over the previous 2008-09 post blossom forecast of 57,200 MT.

Similarly Tamil Nadu had also shown an increase in crop during the current season mainly because of the biennial bearing nature of arabica as last year was off-year. Further blossom and backing showers were reported to be normal resulting an increase in crop. Accounting this, the Post blossom forecast of Tamil Nadu is placed at 19,550 MT increase by 17.59% over the previous post blossom forecast of 16,255 MT.

In Non-Traditional areas of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa and North Eastern Region, the post-blossom forecast is placed at 5,725 MT against previous post blossom estimate of 5,005 MT. The higher forecast has come mainly from Andhra Pradesh due to increase in bearing area.