Coffee, the world’s most beloved beverage, is deeply rooted in the agricultural traditions of Wayanad in Kerala and Coorg in Karnataka, two of India’s premier coffee-growing regions. The livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers in these areas depend on coffee production. However, this industry faces mounting challenges due to climate change. The delicate balance of temperature, rainfall, and soil health essential for coffee cultivation is increasingly disrupted by erratic weather patterns. This article explores the multifaceted climate-related stresses on coffee farming, using examples from Wayanad and Coorg, and provides actionable solutions for building resilience.
Effects of climate change
Rising Temperatures and Their Effects
Temperature is a critical factor in coffee cultivation, especially Arabica coffee, which prefers an average range of 18°C to 24°C. In recent years, Wayanad and Coorg have experienced a steady increase in average temperatures, leading to significant stress on coffee plants. Excessive heat accelerates the ripening process, resulting in uneven fruit development, reduced bean quality, and lower market value. In 2018, Coorg experienced an unusually intense heatwave with temperatures surpassing 35°C for several consecutive days. Farmers reported widespread berry drop, a phenomenon where coffee cherries fall prematurely due to heat stress. The result was a staggering 25% decline in yield that year. Additionally, higher temperatures provided a favorable environment for pests like the coffee berry borer to proliferate, compounding the losses.
Beyond economic implications, prolonged heat exposure has physiological impacts on coffee plants. Leaf scorching, reduced photosynthesis, and impaired nutrient uptake are common outcomes. Over time, this can weaken the plants’ ability to recover, making them more vulnerable to other stresses.
Erratic Rainfall Patterns: Blessing or Bane?
Rainfall is vital for flowering and fruit setting in coffee plants. However, erratic rainfall patterns, including unseasonal and heavy downpours, have disrupted this cycle in recent years. In Wayanad, traditional rainfall patterns that once ensured consistent coffee yields are becoming increasingly unpredictable.
The monsoons of 2019 brought unprecedented rainfall to Wayanad, causing flash floods that submerged large swathes of coffee plantations. Soil erosion and nutrient leaching followed, leaving the land less fertile and coffee plants weakened. Many farmers also faced challenges in harvesting the crop due to waterlogged fields, leading to reduced yields and quality.
Conversely, erratic rainfall can also mean prolonged dry spells. Such droughts exacerbate water stress, reducing flowering rates and leading to smaller berries. A dry spell in Coorg during the critical pre-monsoon period of 2021 delayed flowering, resulting in an uneven harvest and a 15% drop in productivity.
Drought Stress: A Growing Threat
Drought is an emerging concern for coffee farmers in regions that were once rain-abundant. Prolonged dry periods hinder water absorption, reduce photosynthesis, and affect bean development. Wayanad, with its rolling hills and lateritic soils, is particularly vulnerable, as these soils have poor water retention capacity.
In 2016, Wayanad experienced one of its worst droughts in decades. Coffee plantations suffered a 20% yield reduction as water sources dried up and irrigation became a costly necessity. The financial burden forced many farmers to abandon parts of their plantations, leading to long-term economic hardships.
Drought stress also has indirect effects. Weakened plants are more susceptible to pests like the white stem borer and fungal infections like leaf rust. These secondary impacts often require chemical interventions, further increasing production costs.
Pests and Diseases on the Rise
Climate change has significantly altered the dynamics of pest and disease outbreaks in coffee plantations. Rising temperatures and higher humidity levels create favorable conditions for pests and pathogens to thrive.
for instance, The coffee rust fungus (Hemileia vastatrix) caused extensive damage in Coorg in 2020, affecting over 30% of the plantations. Rust attacks weaken coffee plants by reducing their ability to photosynthesize, resulting in lower yields and compromised quality. Traditional pest management practices proved insufficient as the outbreak coincided with unseasonal rains that spread the spores rapidly.
Similarly, the coffee berry borer has become a year-round threat in both Wayanad and Coorg due to warmer winters. This pest burrows into coffee cherries, destroying the beans and rendering the harvest unsellable.
Mitigation Strategies for Resilience
Agroforestry and Shade Management
One of the most effective ways to mitigate climate-related stresses is through agroforestry. Integrating shade trees like jackfruit, silver oak, and rosewood into coffee plantations helps regulate temperature extremes, reduce evapotranspiration, and protect coffee plants from excessive sunlight and wind stress. Shade trees also contribute to biodiversity and improve soil organic matter, enhancing water retention and fertility.
Water Conservation Practices
Water scarcity is a pressing issue in Wayanad and Coorg. Rainwater harvesting systems, such as farm ponds and check dams, can help store excess water during monsoons for use during dry spells. Drip irrigation systems, though initially expensive, can significantly improve water-use efficiency.
Diversified Cropping Systems
Intercropping coffee with spices like black pepper or cardamom not only provides an additional source of income but also improves soil health. These crops act as natural barriers against erosion and help stabilize the ecosystem of the plantation.
Disease-Resistant Varieties
Research institutions have developed rust-resistant coffee varieties such as Chandragiri and Sln-795. Farmers who adopt these varieties can reduce dependency on chemical fungicides and lower production costs while maintaining yields.
Early Warning Systems
Community-based early warning systems for extreme weather events can help farmers prepare for and mitigate potential damages. Mobile alerts and weather forecasts tailored to local conditions can guide farmers on when to irrigate, fertilize, or harvest.
Adapting for a Sustainable Future
Climate change presents a formidable challenge to coffee cultivation in Wayanad and Coorg. However, proactive adaptation measures can help mitigate its impact. By adopting sustainable practices like agroforestry, water conservation, and planting disease-resistant varieties, farmers can build resilience against climate stresses. Together, we can ensure that the rich aroma of coffee continues to fill our cups while supporting the livelihoods of those who grow it.
Authored by
Digital Agronomy Team @ NeuBiom Labs
Prem Sidharth R
Akhila Unni
References
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International Coffee Organization. "Coffee market report: Challenges posed by climate change." ICO, 2021.
Sharma, R., & Suresh, P. "Agroforestry systems in coffee plantations." Journal of Agricultural Science, 9(4), 205–212, 2018.
Government of India. "Impact of climate change on Indian agriculture." Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, 2020.
Smith, R. T. "Rainwater harvesting: Solutions for drought-prone regions." Irrigation Science, 25(3), 189–200, 2015.
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