The Mooleh Manay estate is located near the Harangi Reservoir and its picturesque backwaters in Northern Coorg, one of the largest coffee growing regions in the southern state of Karnataka, India. The name, meaning ‘corner house’, in the local language - Kannada, is a true reflection of its tranquil and secluded location. The original estate has been farmed by the Gundugutti family for 5 generations. It dates back to the early 1800s and was mainly paddy fields before the family began cultivating it. The farm is currently owned by Ms. G.G. Padmashree, and managed by her son and daughter-in-law, Akshay Dashrath and Komal Sable. Akshay and Komal live on the farm and oversee daily operations.
Mooleh Manay cultivates a variety of coffee species. These include, Arabica, Robusta, and Excelsa. All of this coffee grows under the shade of tall silver oak and rosewood trees along with pepper, oranges, jackfruit and a few avocados, papaya, and passion fruit as well. It is common to spot wildlife like the barking deer, wild boar, green pigeon, and the grey hornbill on the estate.
Over time, a second farm was added to the company. This newer addition houses their processing facility, farm house and employee quarters. It also functions as their experimental species and research block. The two farms are not far from each other but their soil is very different, resulting in different varieties of coffees grown on each farm. Akshay and Komal are committed to continuous improvement and innovation on the farms, and use a data-driven approach to optimizing soil health, and maintaining the rich biodiversity of the land. One of the main objectives of the experimental block is to conduct research on climate-proofing coffee plants, and agricultural practices for future sustainability of the coffee farming industry. Their research is focused on coffea species that require low intervention, taking into consideration the climate and geographic factors of the region. The experimental block was established in 2022, and it houses diverse coffee species and hybrid experiments, along with a variety of Indian native species.
Optimizing yield while maintaining a fine balance with the ecosystem is at the core of Mooleh Manay’s sustainability initiatives. They use neembcide instead of weedicides across most of their farms, along with the minimal use of fertilisers. Like other coffee farms in the region, they have to deal with stem borers and the Cockchafer beetle. Some of these pests are managed by a neem based spray and bassiana (an entomopathogenic fungus). A fungicide is also applied once a year and the crop is checked regularly for stem borer infestation. If an infected plant is found, it is uprooted and burnt to prevent any further spread. Sustainability practices on the experimental block include solar power, and minimal water usage during the processing of coffee. In addition to this, they are also working on expanding the shade cover to better manage the microclimate.
The farm employs a mix of local, seasonal and migratory workers, depending on the time of the year. The harvest season is usually when the farm is at its full capacity of workers. Wage is paid based on tasks. That being said, they still pay their workers at least 10% more than the regional minimum wage requirements. All workers are entitled to free housing, electricity and water. The days on the farm begin early. Active work on the farms starts from 7:30 a.m. and goes on until 4:00 p.m. with a break in between for tea and lunch. The management spends the later part of the evening focusing on the business side and plans for the next day.
Today, the Moolah Manay estates are at the forefront of the Indian specialty coffee industry using meticulous processing methods that help bring out the best flavors. The estate offers several unique coffee lots, all processed as honeys or naturals. It is amongst the first farms in India to grow high grade Excelsa coffee. Excelsa, known locally as "Mara Kaapi" or "Tree Coffee," is traditionally planted along farm borders and is notable for its fruity notes and lower caffeine content. We’ve had the honor of being one of the first US-based roasters to offer this Excelsa coffee as part of our seasonal microlot offerings.
Akshay and Komal aim to build a lasting legacy centered on sustainable coffee cultivation, and the promotion of alternative coffee species that are more climate-resilient and require minimal intervention. Kaveri Coffee is proud to be their partner in realizing this vision and bringing their exceptional coffees to our audience.
View our current Mooleh Manay offering:
Mooleh Manay Excesla