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Introduction to Asian Coffee Producing Countries: India's Coffee Growing Regions and Varieties

Published: 2026-01-28 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/28, In Asia, there are numerous coffee-producing countries, including Laos, Indonesia, East Timor, Thailand, India, China, and Myanmar. India, officially known as the Republic of India, is located in South Asia and is the largest country on the South Asian subcontinent. It borders China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the northeast.

As the first stop for coffee's entry into Asia, India is also a crucial link in the history of coffee dissemination. With high-yield Robusta varieties, the production of uniquely flavored monsooned coffee, and coffee production ranking among the world's foremost, today's article invites you to explore India as a coffee origin with FrontStreet Coffee.

India

The Republic of India, located in South Asia, is the largest country on the South Asian subcontinent. It borders China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the northeast; Bangladesh is situated between its northeastern territories; it shares borders with Myanmar to the east and Pakistan to the northwest. To the east lies the Bay of Bengal, and to the west, the Arabian Sea. With a land area of approximately 2.98 million square kilometers, India comprises 29 states and 7 union territories.

The Indian flag is rectangular, consisting of three equal horizontal stripes of orange, white, and green, with a blue wheel featuring 24 spokes at its center. Orange symbolizes courage, dedication, and selflessness, and is also the color of Hindu religious robes. White represents truth and peace. Green signifies prosperity, faith, and human productivity.

The wheel is one of the lion head patterns from the Buddhist sacred site pillars built by Ashoka, the third monarch of the Indian Mauryan Dynasty, collectively known as the "Ashoka Chakra." It symbolizes truth and morality, representing India's ancient civilization. The 24 spokes of the wheel can represent the 24 hours of a day, symbolizing the nation's continuous forward progress.

From the Himalayas southward extending into the Indian Ocean, the northern region consists of mountainous terrain, the central area comprises the Indus-Ganges plains, and the southern region features the Deccan Plateau and coastal plains on its eastern and western sides. Plains account for approximately 40% of the total area, mountains for 25%, and plateaus for one-third. However, most of these mountainous and plateau regions have elevations not exceeding 1,000 meters.

FrontStreet Coffee learned that India experiences hot weather throughout, with most regions belonging to the tropical monsoon climate zone. The Thar Desert in western India has a tropical desert climate. The Indian climate is divided into the monsoon season (June-October), dry season (March-May), and cool season (November-February). Under the combination of tropical monsoon climate and fertile soil conditions such as alluvial soils and tropical black soils suitable for agricultural production, most land can be utilized for agriculture, crops can grow throughout the year, providing uniquely advantageous natural conditions.

Coffee Growing Regions

FrontStreet Coffee's research reveals that most coffee trees in India are planted within four states: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Within each state, smaller growing regions can be further subdivided based on geographical conditions. The harvest period runs from October to February each year, with main cultivation of Arabica and Robusta varieties, where Robusta accounts for over 70% of India's production.

Tamil Nadu: Located in the southernmost part of India, it is known for its magnificent Indian temples and rich flora and fauna communities, making it one of India's major agricultural regions. Coffee is mostly grown in areas such as Pulney, Nilgirl, and Shevarog, at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,000 meters.

Karnataka: Located in southwestern India, it possesses abundant natural resources and numerous crop varieties, with the highest coffee production. The Bababudangiri region in this state is considered the birthplace of Indian coffee. Other major sub-regions include Chikmagalur, Coorg, and Manjarabad, with growing elevations between 700 and 1,500 meters.

Kerala: Also located in southwestern India, it is another high-production region. The Malabar Coast is situated here, making monsooned Malabar and organic coffees better developed in this area than in other regions. Its sub-regions are Travancore and Wayanad, with growing elevations from 400 to 1,600 meters. Besides growing Arabica at higher elevations, Robusta is predominantly cultivated.

Andhra Pradesh: The Eastern Ghats extend along India's eastern coast, providing the necessary altitude for coffee cultivation. Coffee production in this region is relatively small, with mostly Arabica varieties grown at elevations between 900 and 1,100 meters.

Compared to other origins, India's coffee growing conditions are not considered optimal. With hot climate, relatively low elevations, and humid air, coffee plants predominantly consist of high-yield Robusta varieties, while Arabica and some hybrid varieties constitute the minority. Common varieties include Kent, Catimor, S795, and S274. To increase income, local farmers often plant coffee trees alongside other cash crops. Spice trees such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves frequently appear in the fields, simultaneously serving as shade trees for coffee.