In the 111th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on June 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extolled the unique flavour and global significance of Araku coffee from Andhra Pradesh.
Araku coffee is celebrated for its rich flavour and aroma, cultivated extensively in the Alluri Sita Ram Raju district of Andhra Pradesh.
Approximately 150,000 tribal families are involved in its cultivation.
In 2019, Araku valley coffee of Andhra Pradesh earned its Geographical Indication (GI) tag, signifying its unique qualities tied to its specific geographical origin.
Araku Valley Arabica coffee is cultivated in the hilly terrains of Andhra Pradesh and the Odisha region, at elevations of 900-1100 metres above sea level.
This coffee is produced by tribal communities using organic methods, focusing on organic manures, green manuring, and organic pest management.
Several other Indian coffees have also received GI tags, including: Coorg Arabica coffee: Karnataka; Wayanad robusta coffee: Kerala; Chikmagalur Arabica coffee: Karnataka; Bababudangiris Arabica coffee: Karnataka and Monsooned Malabar robusta coffee: Kerala.
