What on Earth could be more luxurious than a sofa, Newspaper and a cup of coffee.! Remember the good old days when the fresh aroma of your mom’s piping hot coffee in a steel tumbler would get your taste buds working overtime every morning? Isn’t the crackling sound of boiling water poured over parched coffee powder was like music to the ears? How eagerly you would wait for the decoction to trickle down the filter to enjoy your mug of steaming bliss? In many households in kodagu, coffee still weaves the same magic every morning. Be it to start their day or to socialise, people are willing to spend the big bucks on damn good coffee. Kodagu known as the ” Scotland of India ” is famous for its coffee plantations, lush greenery, misty hills, and vibrant kodava culture. It’s misty hills and coffee estates are a perfect blend of nature and serenity. Nestled amidst the lush hills of the western Ghats in Karnataka, lies a coffee lover’s paradise- Kodagu. Renowned for its picturesque landscapes, serene ambience and verdant plantations, this region has earned its reputation as the ” coffee capital of India “.kodagu coffee is celebrated for it’s exceptional quality, distinct flavor profile, and deep- rooted cultural significance.
Coffee: one cup of this can lift you up and melt away your problems,even if just for a few fleeting moments. All the early mornings would almost be unthinkable without coffee and yet, we know very little about the miracle berry and how it made its way into our mugs.
Walking along the lovely path in kodagu we see the beauty exists in this world, the trees, bushes and coffee crop. When we see little coffee cherries we realise, how much life has to offer. Kodagu where the air smells like rain – soaked earth and coffee blossoms, has been growing coffee longer than most can remember. The land holds stories- of farmers, of families of trees older than some plantations.
Kodagu’s coffee season is a time of rejuvenation and abundance. It transforms into a vibrant and bustling hub during this season. The region’s lush green coffee plantations, which cover 60 percent of the district’s landscape come alive with the sounds of chirping Birds, buzzing bees ,and the gentle rustling of coffee lovers. The coffee blossom which is the fragrant flowers that grow in clusters are delicate and an exquisite sight to behold. It’s beauty lies in its dainty appearance, intoxicating fragrance and fleeting presence.
There are several hands behind our coffee. The silent labour behind every sip. White flowers bloom marking the start. Green berries ripen into red cherries. Handpicked, dried and roasted- becomes the coffee we cherish. From field to cup every step matters. Our planters are out there, day and night, fixing what’s broken, because we know that behind every cup of coffee is handwork, resilience and a community that stands together in the face of nature’s fury.
Coffee planters in kodagu, like many other farmers, face numerous challenges that affect their livelihood.
Unpredictable weather patterns, Msn – Animal conflict, Droughts and water scarcity, fluctuating coffee prices, Rising labour wages, Transportation costs reduce profit margins for planters. Competition from other coffee producing countries, labour shortages ,Aging population- ( many coffee planters are Aging and the younger generation is often reluctant to take up coffee cultivation) Disease and pests , coffee leaf rust, coffee berry borer are some of the challenges faced by our planters.
In short Kodagu’s coffee season is a time of rejuvenation and abundance, marked by the blossoming of coffee flowers, the harvesting of coffee cherries, and the celebration of the region’s rich coffee heritage. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur, a nature lover , or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of rural India, Kodagu’s coffee season is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Next time you sip your brew, remember the hands behind it. Support ethical trade , recognise their hard work.
KODANDERA MAMATHA SUBBAIAH.
