Chhattisgarh:
Naxal-hit Bastar region in Chhattisgarh is set to become a hub of coffee production as coffee cultivation has increased in the region.
Naxal-hit Bastar region in Chhattisgarh is set to become a hub of coffee production as coffee cultivation has increased in the region.
Dr K P Singh, a horticulture scientist, said four varieties of Coffee Arabica and one variety of Coffee Robusta were planted on 20 acres on an experimental basis in 2017-18.
“The first harvesting was done in 2020-21. When we sent the samples to the Coffee Board of India, our coffee got a rating of 6-6.4, which is a good rating. After that, it was cultivated on 100 acres in 2021-22. Farmers are reaping the benefits of coffee production in the region,” said Singh.
Collector of Bastar Chandan Kumar said the coffee produced here will give a new identity to Bastar.
“It has always been a challenge for us to connect people to the mainstream by ensuring employment so that they can move towards prosperity. Today, the work on coffee plantation is underway on 350 hectares of land in Bastar,” said Kumar.
A ‘Bastar Cafe’ has also been established here to connect people with the taste and aroma of the coffee produced here. “People are liking it and definitely, its demand will increase in the coming days,” said the collector.
India is among the top 10 coffee-producing countries. Indian coffee is considered one of the best coffees in the world due to its high quality and gets a high premium in the international markets.
India produces two types of coffee–Arabica and Robusta. Arabica has a higher market value than Robusta coffee due to its mild aromatic flavor. Robusta coffee is mainly used in making various blends due to its strong flavor.
Coffee is largely produced in the southern part of India. Karnataka is the largest producer, accounting for about 70% of the total coffee production in India, followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> India / by India Today Web Desk / New Delhi – February 16th, 2023
