Buying a coffee estate in Coorg: what to look at

A coffee estate is a working farm as well as land. Look at how it has been run, not only at the view.

Planted area and crop

• How much of the total extent is actually under coffee
• Arabica, Robusta or both, and the age of the plants
• Pepper vines, areca, cardamom or fruit trees that add income
• Shade tree cover and its condition

Yield history

Ask for the last few years of production and sale records. Compare them with estates of similar size nearby, and ask about any recent drop in yield.

Water

A perennial stream, tank or borewell matters for irrigation during blossom and for the house. Visit in the dry months to see how much water is really there.

Buildings and equipment

• Owner's bungalow or farmhouse
• Labour quarters and their condition
• Drying yard, store and pulping unit
• Power connection and its reliability

Access

Walk the road to the estate. Find out whether it is a public road or passes through a neighbour's land, and whether vehicles can use it through the monsoon.

Workforce

Ask how many workers the estate needs, who manages it today and whether they will stay after the sale.

Have the land records checked as for any other purchase. See our guide to documents to check before buying land in Coorg.