The US Agriculture Department Foreign Agricultural Services has estimated India coffee production in 2017-18 (Oct-Sep) at 5.45 million bags (1bag=60kg), up 5.4% from 5.17 million bags pegged in 2016-17 due to pre-monsoon showers in March and April that helped the setting and development of the coffee fruit. Karnataka, rains were 2% above normal in Chikmagalur during Mar 1-May 10, while in Kodagu, rains were 18% above normal and Hassan received 37% above normal rains. The yield of Robusta constitutes over 70% of the total crop, is seen slightly higher than last year due to good rainfall and availability of water for irrigation. The Arabica variety is likely to bear higher fruits than last year.