Five Indian Coffee varieties awarded GI certification

Some of the best coffee in the world comes from India. Indian coffee is one amongst the highly valued coffee in the world market, especially in Europe where Indian coffee is sold as premium coffee. In fact, India is the only country where the total coffee cultivation happens under shade, is handpicked and then sun-dried.

Majority of the coffee cultivation in India happens in Southern states, with 54% happening in Karnataka, 19% in Kerala, 8% in Tamil Nadu. In the non-traditional areas like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, North East also Coffee is grown. Around 3.66 lakhs farmers of which 98% are small farmers involve in coffee cultivation in around 4.54 lakhs hectares.

Geographical Indication (GI) certification is issued by Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry Government of India. GI certification recognition and protection enables the Indian coffee producers to invest better and maintain the special qualities of the coffee grown in that region. It also makes those coffee varieties more popular in the world and thereby helps growers get the best price for their premium coffee.

Recently Five Indian coffee varieties – Coorg Arabica, Wayanaad Robusta, Chikmagalur Arabica, Araku Valley Arabica, Bababudangiris Arabica have been awarded GI certification. Earlier, the unique specialty coffee, Monsooned Malabar Robusta was given GI certification.

Here are some details about these varieties:

Coorg Arabacia is grown specifically in Karnataka’s Kodagu region.

Wayanaad Robusta coffee comes specifically from Waynaad district in eastern side of Kerala.

Chikmagalur Arabica is grown specifically in Chikmagalur district in Deccan plateau. This district belongs to Malnad region in Karnataka.

Araku Valley Arabica is referred to as coffee from hilly tracks of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. It is grown at 900-1100 Mt MSL elevation. In Araku, the tribal who grow the coffee here use organic approach emphasizing management practices involving use of organic manure, organic pest management practices, green manuring.

Bababudangiris Arabica coffee comes from Coffee’s birthplace in India, central portion of Chikmagalur district. This variety referred to as high grown coffee slowly ripens in mild climate giving the bean its special taste and aroma. The coffee is selectively hand-picked and processed by natural fermentation giving it full body, acidity, mild flavor and an aroma with note of chocolate.