INDIAN COFFEE GAINING POPULARITY
Why in News
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Mann Ki Baat address on October 26, 2025, highlighted that Indian coffee is gaining international popularity.
- He praised the diverse coffee varieties cultivated across different parts of India — from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to Kerala, Odisha, and the North-East.
- PM Modi also appreciated the role of coffee in empowering women, tribal farmers, and restoring degraded lands, especially in regions like Koraput (Odisha)
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Global Recognition: Indian coffee is earning fame worldwide for its quality and diversity.
- Major Coffee Regions Mentioned:
- Karnataka: Chikmagalur, Coorg, Hassan, Biligiri region (Karnataka–Tamil Nadu border)
- Tamil Nadu: Pulney, Shevaroy, Nilgiri, Annamalai
- Kerala: Wayanad, Travancore, Malabar
- Odisha: Koraput
- North-East India: Growing participation in coffee cultivation
- Human Interest Stories:
- Professionals who left corporate jobs to take up coffee farming in Koraput.
- Many women farmers achieving economic independence and social respect through coffee.
ABOUT COFFEE
- Nature: A tropical plantation crop, grown under shade trees.
- Main Varieties:
- Arabica: Mild flavour, aromatic, grown at higher altitudes.
- Robusta: Stronger flavour, more caffeine, disease-resistant, grown at lower altitudes.
MAJOR COFFEE GROWING REGIONS IN INDIA
CLIMATIC & SOIL REQUIREMENTS
INDIA’S COFFEE EXPORTS
- Top Export Destinations:
- Europe: Italy, Germany, Belgium (largest markets)
- Others: Middle East countries, South Korea, Japan
- Export Type: Mostly green (unroasted) coffee beans, but specialty and value-added coffees are growing in demand.
SIGNIFICANCE
- Economic: Boosts exports and rural income.
- Social: Empowers women and tribal farmers.
- Environmental: Promotes eco-friendly cultivation and forest restoration.
- Global Image: Strengthens “Brand India Coffee” on the world stage.
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