Farm management and yield gaps in Robusta (Coffea canephora) coffee production across the three largest Asian origins
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25186/.v21i.2515Abstract
Robusta coffee is a key livelihood crop in Asia, and its productivity differs largely across main regions. However, the factors underlying these differences remain limited. This study examines yield variation across Vietnam, Indonesia, and India, the three largest Robusta-producing countries in Asia. Using 13,525 farm-level surveys, the study applied descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression-based threshold methods to assess the relationships between yield and key management practices. The results show that median yields reach 2,643 kg GBE ha⁻¹ in Vietnam, compared with 1,359 kg ha⁻¹ in India-Karnataka, 509 kg ha⁻¹ in India-Kerala, and 383 kg ha⁻¹ in Indonesia. Correlation analysis shows that inorganic fertilizer use is positively associated with yield across the three countries, with coefficients ranging from 0.326 to 0.408. Pruning practices are also associated with higher yields in several regions, whereas shade levels are negatively related to yield in Vietnam. These findings indicate that yield gaps in Asian Robusta systems arise from different constraints across countries. Input scarcity appears to constrain productivity in Indonesia, while inefficiencies in nutrient management and structural characteristics of production systems play a larger role in Vietnam and India. The results highlight the need for context-specific strategies to improve productivity and sustainability in Robusta coffee production.
Key words: Yield differences; fertilizer efficiency; shade management; plantation rejuvenation; Robusta coffee.
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