Araku Coffee: Araku Coffee, hailing from the Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, is making waves with its unique flavour and sustainable cultivation methods. It is renowned for its balanced, mild taste with distinctive spicy notes. Its high quality has been recognised globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of Araku Coffee in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, saying, "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. I recall tasting this coffee with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Garu in Visakhapatnam. Araku coffee has garnered several global awards and was well-received at the G 20 Summit held in Delhi," he added.
The Cultivation Of The Coffee:
Named after its place of origin, Araku is a lush, green valley known for its ideal coffee-growing conditions. The region's hot days, cold nights, and iron-rich soil contribute to the coffee's slow ripening process, resulting in its aromatic richness and exceptional taste. The coffee is cultivated organically by local farmers who work in harmony with nature without the use of machines or chemicals, ensuring both the coffee's organic quality and the sustainability of its cultivation.
History Of This Coffee:
While coffee cultivation in Araku dates back to the British era, it experienced a decline post-independence. However, in the early 2000s, the Naandi Foundation, a non-profit organisation, initiated a project to revitalise coffee farming in the region. This project provided local farmers with the necessary training in best practices, organic manure, and set pricing for the coffee before each season.
This initiative not only provided an additional source of income for the farmers but also improved socio-economic indicators like infant mortality and literacy rates in the region.
How Araku Coffee Is Grown:
Araku Coffee is grown by local tribal farmers who practice sustainable and organic farming. The coffee is cultivated naturally without the use of machines and chemicals, ensuring the preservation of the environment. This approach not only produces high-quality coffee but also supports the sustainability of the region’s agriculture. Farmers work by hand in small farms, maintaining harmony with nature and promoting regenerative agriculture practices.
GI Tag For Araku Coffee:
Araku Coffee received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal also shared the Prime Minister's mention of 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.