International Coffee Organization

About International Coffee Organization:

• It was established in 1963 under the aegis of the United Nations and following the approval of the first International Coffee Agreement in 1962.
• The ICO is the only intergovernmental organization for coffee, bringing together exporting and importing Governments.
• It currently represents 93% of world coffee production and 63% of world consumption.
• The mission of the Organization is to strengthen the global coffee sector and promote its sustainable expansion in a market-based environment for the benefit of all actors in the Global Coffee Value Chain (G-CVC).
• Member countries: 49 (42 coffee exporting and 7 importing countries) 49 Members
• India is a member of this organisation.

 Key facts about Coffee cultivation

• The vast majority of the world’s coffee comprises two species — Coffea Arabica (Arabica) and Coffea Canephora (Robusta).
• Climatic conditions required for coffee production
  • Climate: Hot and humid climate for its growth.
  • Temperature: Ranging between 15°C and 28 °C.
  • Rainfall:150 to 250 cm.
  • Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil containing a good deal of humus and minerals like iron and calcium are ideal for coffee cultivation.
  • It is generally grown under shady trees.
  • Dry weather is necessary at the time of ripening of the berries.
  • It is grown on hill slopes at elevations from 600 to 1,600 metres above sea level.
• Coffee growing states in India: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, among which, Karnataka produces the most with over 70% of the total output.