Coffee is a tropical and a sub-tropical plant that grows well on hill slopes. Tropical coffee grows best between 1,200 m and 2,000 m. Sub-tropical coffee grows best at altitudes between 600 m and 1,200 m. It is sensitive to frost and direct heat and therefore grows well in the shade of evergreen trees. Coffee requires rainfall between 160 cm and 200 cm annually. Humidify ranging between 70 and 80 per cent is ideal for the growth of coffee. Coffee plantations must avoid strong sunshine and heavy monsoon rains for better growth. Soil should be rich and fertile and well-drained. Labour for plucking, sowing, weeding, pruning, packaging and handling of coffee should be well-trained, skilled and cheap.
