Enhancing climate resilience: Can new WCR-introduced varieties aid Indonesian coffee farmers?

Climate change is putting heavy pressure on the development of the global coffee industry. Indonesia, like many others, faces challenges in coffee production such as an increase in pests and a serious decline in productivity and quality. In 2023/24, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) predicts that the country’s coffee production will fall into a serious recession. Indonesia’s coffee exports will likely fall 32% year-on-year due to heavy rains causing supply shortages that have disrupted production processes and reduced output significantly.

Indonesia is facing challenges in coffee production

The weather is gradually becoming more severe. Old varieties can be significantly affected, rendering the trees susceptible to pests and diseases, resulting in low productivity and causing losses to farmers and the coffee industry. As a result, WCR researchers have worked to provide better and more accessible coffee varieties to farmers to improve coffee productivity, profitability, quality, and climate resilience. In particular, the organization has developed and distributed Komasti coffee varieties in Indonesia. This variety is a hybrid Arabica coffee variety recognized for its strong disease resistance, high yield, and high-quality potential. It was officially introduced to the market in 2013. However, until now, Komasti coffee has struggled to gain awareness and acceptance among farmers due to limited promotion, testing, and accessibility.

WCR has introduced better and more accessible crop varieties to farmers

The Komasti coffee variety will be distributed by WCR in conjunction with the Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI) to Indonesian farmers in 2023. They have jointly established a pilot plot program in West Java to demonstrate and showcase the high performance of Komasti to local farmers. In parallel, WCR also supported the establishment and implementation of the demonstration model in the first year with the support of two industry partners, Frinsa Agrolestari and PT Sucafina Indonesia. In 2023, these partners will take over the management of the local sample plot and continue to monitor its actual progress. The first harvest on the plots is anticipated to occur from May to July 2025. Based on information collected from farmers, the condition of Komasti coffee plots appears promising… The sprouts have strong vitality and grow healthier than existing varieties.

According to ICCRI’s assessment, the experimental cups of Komasti coffee could be successful beyond expectations. It could produce higher yields than currently dominant varieties in Indonesia while also helping farmers adapt to the ongoing impacts of climate change. Furthermore, with promising prospects in the initial stages, ICCRI plans to extend the pilot program to other Arabica and Robusta coffee-growing regions to facilitate a more effective distribution of new varieties.

The distribution of new varieties in Indonesia is making good progress

The dissemination of new varieties could represent a crucial step in enhancing the adaptability of farmers and contributing to the development of sustainable coffee production in Indonesia. Soon, when the harvest season arrives, we may have the opportunity to enjoy high-quality Komasti coffee beans from Indonesia. If you want to enjoy specialty coffee products, visit XLIII Coffee!

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