India is witnessing a shift in cultivation of coffee from Arabica to Robusta to the extent that Indi...........

Geography Agriculture

India is witnessing a shift in cultivation of coffee from Arabica to Robusta to the extent that India is soon going to become a net importer of coffee. What could be the reason behind such a shift?

Due to better flavour, Robusta is in more demand compared to Arabica.

Government is offering incentives and subsidies to Robusta cultivators.

Inability to control white stem borer and coffee leaf rust which affect Arabica plantations.

More export potential of Robusta compared to Arabica.

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Explanation:

India grows two varieties of coffee- Arabica and Robusta. Arabica has better flavour than Robusta and is hence in high demand than Robusta in both local and global market.
But due to lack of any scientific breakthrough in controlling the white stem borer and coffee leaf rust that affect Arabica plantations, the cost of cultivating Arabica are rising and the planters are shifting towards Robusta which is resistant to these pests and diseases.
The shift can be seen from the figures - The area under Arabica shrunk from 73 per cent in 1950-51 to about 49 per cent of the total area under coffee in 2012-13.