Coffee plantations burst into bloom after timely showers in Kerala

Idukki: Coffee farmers in the High Range region of Kerala are hopeful of a better harvest this year after timely summer rains triggered healthy flowering across plantations.

In areas such as Upputhara, the showers arrived after the harvest period, which has helped coffee plants bloom properly. Farmers say the flowering has been strong and fruits have already begun to appear on many plants.

Last year’s rains caused heavy losses

Farmers recall that last year’s weather caused significant damage to the crop. Rainfall during the harvest period disrupted the picking process and created a difficult situation in plantations.

Coffee plants began to produce flowers even before the ripe beans could be harvested. Harvesting the beans at that stage risked knocking off the flowers, while delaying harvest meant the ripened beans fell to the ground.

As a result, many farmers were unable to collect the crop properly and suffered substantial losses.

Better flowering raises hope for higher yield

This year’s weather pattern has been more favourable. Because the rain arrived after the harvest season, plants were able to bloom naturally and fruits are already forming.

Farmers say that if one or two more good showers arrive in the coming days, the developing coffee fruits are likely to mature quickly, potentially leading to a stronger harvest.

Price concerns remain for growers

Despite the positive crop outlook, farmers remain concerned about falling coffee prices. Currently, the price of coffee beans is reported to be below ₹200 per kilogram.

Growers hope that prices will improve during the new season. If market prices rise along with increased production, farmers believe they will be better able to sustain their livelihoods.

Coffee a key income source in the High Range

Coffee cultivation is an important source of income for farmers in Kerala’s High Range, where many growers practice mixed farming.

The blooming coffee plants across plantations have also created a visually striking landscape in the region. Farmers say favourable weather conditions could also benefit other crops such as cardamom and support intercropping practices in the coming weeks.