When you think of coffee, Odisha hardly comes to mind. In India we know that coffee is mostly grown in the western ghats of Southern states like Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The climate, the altitude and the tradition, all contribute to a conducive atmosphere for the cultivation of this very sought after beverage.
The demand for coffee has increased greatly since the past few years. In fact drinking coffee is more like a status symbol in the elite society especially black coffee. Does not matter if the taste is not very appealing to the palette but coffee in different forms is what is trending in today’s world. The popularity of cafes is obvious from the fact that a cafe can now be found in every nook and corner of a city.
Koraput Coffee Loved And Appreciated by Coffee Lovers
The question which comes to mind is about Odisha being a paradise for coffee lovers. Yes, believe it or not this is one of Odisha’s best kept secret or so it was few years back.
Coffee cultivation is primarily carried out in the District of Koraput in Odisha. Possibly many may not have heard of this place before but in recent times tourists are thronging to Koraput not only for its scenic beauty of mountains and waterfalls but the very famous Koraput coffee.
The Eastern ghats of Southern Odisha has the right environment to cultivate high quality coffee which is known for it’s distinct taste making it different from other brands. A personal touch is given to the packaging of this coffee by adding the story of the cultivators which makes interesting reading.
The coffee is mainly grown in the ghats of Koraput by the agrarian people such as the Kondh and the Bhond tribes. Since these ghats have a dense growth of trees like mango and jackfruit, they serve as a shade or a canopy under which the coffee plants flourish. It prevents the moisture from escaping completely and the humidity created helps the coffee beans to be healthy and of good quality.
Odisha The Newest Entrant Into The Coffee Business
Odisha is thus one of newest entrant into the coffee market but in a short span of time has created an important niche for itself. The type of coffee grown in Koraput is Arabica coffee. This is primarily known for its flavor–not too sharp carrying an earthy taste combined with a unique sweetness.
Something which makes Koraput coffee distinct is its commitment towards maintaining an organic method of cultivation. Tribes in Koraput have been growing coffee since the British time. However the recognition has come only recently with Government extending their support.
Even today we cannot deny the fact that the tribal communities living here are the true custodians of coffee plantation. To add to the popularity of Koraput coffee, is also its health benefits. As it is completely grown in organic method, consumption of this coffee helps in boosting mental health, metabolism and heart health. It is rich in antioxidants and different types of nutrients.
Buying Koraput coffee thus, not only satisfies our taste buds and gives us multiple health benefits, it also directly or indirectly supports those tribal people who labour hard to grow this coffee. It gives them a source of livelihood, preserves their tradition, provides employment, helps sustain the environment and empowerment of women. It also helps the children to receive education and in turn improve their standard of living.
Government Promotes Koraput Coffee In Global Forum
Initiatives taken by local authorities with Government backing has helped this local produce to achieve global fame. Koraput coffee is now in great demand worldwide and is exported to many foreign countries.
One of the proudest moments was when a 250 gms of Tiger Bright, a brand of Koraput coffee was gifted to the delegates and eminent journalists present at the BRICS summit as a part of the kits given to them.
Chief Minister of Odisha, Sri Mohan Charan Majhi, said that it was a moment of great pride and honor for Odisha to get such a platform to present a home-grown product. Indeed it was a historical moment for Odisha. It brought worldwide recognition to the hard work of the tribal people and has opened doors leading to an economic future for them and their product.
Thus through the joint effort of the Coffee Board of India and the Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation of Odisha Limited, there is no looking back for Koraput Coffee aptly described as “100 percent Arabica premium roasted filter coffee” and the most sought after product in Koraput district of Odisha.
