Comments
In a move that could help domestic coffee gain global recognition and attract higher prices, the Centre has awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for five varieties of coffee.
The varieties that have received the coveted tag include Coorg Arabica, Wayanaad Robusta, Chikmagalur Arabica, Araku Valley Arabica and Bababudangiris Arabica.
Unique features
The award of GI — a name or sign certifying that a product has a specific geographical origin and possesses qualities that are due to that origin — will help the five varieties carve a niche for themselves in the world market, said NN Narendra, Director (Finance), Coffee Board.
“What gives Indian coffee its exotic and premium flavour is the fact that unlike in other parts of the world where it is grown in open fields, coffee in India is grown in shade. Moreover, it is completely hand-picked and dried in the sun. The GI will help the Indian coffee varieties be specifically identified with their unique flavour,” Narendra told BusinessLine .
The coffee varieties that got their GI tag from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade have their unique qualities. For instance, the Araku Valley Arabica coffee from the hilly tracks of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha region is produced by the tribals, follows an organic approach.
Bababudangiris Arabica coffee is grown specifically in the birthplace of coffee in India in the central portion of Chikmagalur district. “Selectively hand-picked and processed by natural fermentation, the cup exhibits full body, acidity, mild flavour and striking aroma with a note of chocolate. This coffee is also called high grown coffee which slowly ripens in the mild climate and thereby the bean acquires a special taste and aroma,” a release said.
The other three varieties, too, are grown specifically in the regions of Kodagu, Wayanad and Chikmagalur and have their distinct flavours.
The Monsooned Malabar Robusta Coffee, a unique speciality coffee, was the only variety accorded a GI certification earlier.
Output, exports
In India, coffee is cultivated on about 4.54 lakh hectares by 3.66 lakh coffee farmers of which 98 per cent are small farmers, according to government figures.
Coffee production in India, Asia’s third-largest producer and exporter, is estimated to be 3,19,500 tonnes in 2018-19, according to the Coffee Board figures. Exports rose 13.26 per cent to 48,330 tonnes during the first two months of this calendar year.
Comments
COMMENT NOW
Comments
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.