The division of Agronomy of Central Coffee Research Institute Chikmagalur and its units at different regional stations is occupied in developing suitable agro-techniques based on soil, land, water, shade and weed management aspects for increasing the productivity of various coffee varieties under different agro-climatic conditions.

Salient Achievements
 Regularity of soil management practices for conserving the soil and moisture.
 Bush organization practices like optimum spacing, planting, design, training and pruning for achieving consistent yields.
 Irrigation management using sprinkler and drip methods for overcoming dry conditions and for assured crops through blossom and backing irrigation.
 Efficient and cost effective weed control measures.
 Shade management for optimum performance to different fertilizer doses.
 Drip irrigation during dry months from November to May was found to be beneficial in Cauvery.
 Application of 4 litres of water per day for about 100 days during the dry period resulted in yield increases up to 24% with a cost benefit ratio of 1:1:5. However high initial investment, regular maintenance etc. makes it unsuitable for large areas.
 Ground micro-sprinkler irrigation in robusta was on par with overhead irrigation but has the same limitations as that of drip irrigation and hence not suitable for large areas.
 A commercial bio-fertilizer 'Biophos' @ 10 kg./ha increased yield of arabica by 39 percent with saving in phosphorus nutrient up to 30%.
 Bhumilabh, organic manure, @ 30 gms per basket seedling of C X R and Cauvery in the nursery ha boosted their growth to the point of transplanting to the field.
 "Green Plus" commercial manure had increased the yield of robusta by about 200 kg per ha when applied @ 5 kgs. /plant/year compared to recommended doses of inorganic fertilizer. However the yield increases was not commensurate with the cost. This may be of use in production of organic coffee.
 Spark, a test product containing glyphosate (post emergent systemic weedicide) @ 1.08 kg.a.i per ha (2.5 liters of formulation per ha) was as effective as other recommended glyphosate formulation.
 Case study on organic coffee farming conducted in a private estate indicated that it is possible to cultivate arabica coffee organically without any yield reduction.

Contact Detail:
Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI)
Coffee Research Station - Balehonnur
Chickmagalur District