political-slugfest-surrounding-araku-coffee

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 111th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday, June 30, praised the “flavour and significance” of Araku coffee from Andhra Pradesh. He recalled sharing a moment over coffee with the state chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu during his visit to Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

 

“There are numerous products from India that enjoy high demand globally, and it fills us with pride to see our local products achieving international recognition. One such product is Araku coffee, renowned for its rich flavour and aroma, cultivated extensively in the Alluri Sita Ram Raju district of Andhra Pradesh. Approximately 1.5 lakh tribal families are involved in its cultivation…,” PM Modi said.

 

A political slugfest seems to have begun between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress over Prime Minister Narendra Modi Araku coffee comment.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a potshot at PM Modi for “exaggerating” facts.

 

Taking to X, the Congress leader said that the Prime Minister gave the impression that he had invented the Araku coffee brand.

 

“It was the Naandi Foundation that was responsible for the initiative of coffee cultivation by tribal communities in the lovely Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh with assistance from the state and the central government. As Minister of State of Commerce, I had been privileged to launch the brand in Araku Valley on December 21, 2007. I had been back there five years later as Union Minister of Rural Development.”

 

GI tag for Araku coffee

 

Araku coffee received its Geographical Indication (GI)  in 2019. A GI tag signifies products originating from a specific geographical area, known for possessing unique qualities or reputation due to their origin.

 

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal also shared the Prime Minister’s mention about Araku coffee on his X (formerly Twitter) account. “Truly matchless! Andhra Pradesh’s GI-tagged Araku coffee is empowering tribals and strengthening brand India globally,” Goyal wrote.

 

Araku Valley Arabica coffee is sourced from the hilly terrains of Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh, and the Odisha region is grown at elevations of 900-1100 metres above sea level.

 

The coffee production by tribal communities follows an organic approach, emphasising practices such as the use of organic manures, green manuring, and organic pest management.

 

Other types of Indian coffee with GI tags

 

Coorg Arabica coffee is cultivated exclusively in the Kodagu district of Karnataka.

 

Wayanaad Robusta coffee is grown specifically in the Wayanad district in the eastern part of Kerala.

 

Chikmagalur Arabica coffee is produced in the Chikmagalur district, located in the Malnad region of Karnataka on the Deccan plateau.

 

Bababudangiris Arabica coffee is grown in the birthplace of coffee in India, situated in the central part of Chikmagalur district. It is meticulously hand-picked and processed using natural fermentation, resulting in a full-bodied cup with acidity, mild flavour, and a prominent aroma with hints of chocolate.

Monsooned Malabar Robusta coffee, a distinctive specialty coffee from India, received GI certification earlier.

 

Monsooned Malabar Robusta coffee, a distinctive specialty coffee from India, received GI certification earlier.