The Hindu Business Line : Rains may hit robusta crop

Chennai May 16 Heavy rains that lashed parts of the coffee-growing areas in Karnataka 10 days ago are likely to affect the robusta crop, while the showers are seen helping arabica crop.

According to planter sources, the heavy rains could affect up to 25 per cent of the robusta crop in Kodagu district.

"Nearly 20 inches of rain in some areas has affected the setting in robusta plants. Therefore, planters expect the crop to be less than the estimate they made after the blossom," said the sources.

The rains in particular have affected the Napakulu area in Kodagu district. "We are yet to assess the effect in other areas," they said.

Until the heavy rains came, the coffee plants were reported to have gained from pre-monsoon showers. "Even now, things are looking good. We don't think that the damage in Napakulu is extensive," the sources said.

"Arabica seems to be heading for a record, while we will have to wait and see how robusta develops," an exporter said.

Coffee-growing areas received good pre-monsoon showers early in April and it was considered good for both arabica and robusta. Planters have also been expecting a good crop this time. A major reason for the expectation is good wintering for the crop. Wintering is a period when the crop is said to take complete rest with the formation of new leaves.

"We expect the production to be around last year's level if not better," the sources said.

For the 2006-07 season (November-October), the Coffee Board has estimated the production at 2.88 lakh tonnes against 2.74 lakh tonnes the previous year.

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