GI certification awarded to five varieties of Indian coffee
The Geographical Indication or GI tag is a name or sign used on certain products corresponding to a specific geographical location or origin. The Monsooned Malabar Robusta Coffee, unique to Karnataka and Kerala was given GI certification earlier.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India has recently awarded Geographical Indication (GI) to five varieties of Indian coffee.
The GI tag is a name or sign used on certain products corresponding to a specific geographical location or origin. The GI tag conveys quality assurance and distinctiveness of the products, and it has been awarded to coffee varieties including:
- Coorg Arabica coffee- grown specifically in the region of Kodagu district in Karnataka.
- Wayanad Robusta coffee- grown specifically in the region of Wayanad district which is situated on the eastern portion of Kerala.
- Chikmagalur Arabica coffee- grown specifically in the region of Chikmagalur district and it is situated in the Deccan plateau, belongs to the Malnad region of Karnataka.
- Araku Valley Arabica coffee- Coffee from the hilly tracks of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha region at an elevation of 900-1100 Mt MSL. The coffee produce of Araku, by the tribals, follows an organic approach in which they emphasise management practices involving substantial use of organic manures, green manuring and organic pest management practices.
- Bababudangiris Arabica coffee- grown specifically in the birthplace of coffee in India and the region is situated in the central portion of Chikmagalur district. Selectively hand-picked and processed by natural fermentation, the cup exhibits full body, acidity, mild flavour and striking aroma with a note of chocolate. This coffee is also called high grown coffee which slowly ripens in the mild climate and thereby the bean acquires a special taste and aroma.
The Monsooned Malabar Robusta Coffee, which is unique to Malabar coast of Kerala and Karnataka, was given GI certification earlier.
In India, coffee is cultivated in about 4.54 lakh hectares by 3.66 lakh coffee farmers of which 98 percent are small farmers. Coffee cultivation is mainly done in the Southern States of India including- Karnataka (contributing to 54 percent share), Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Coffee is also grown in non-traditional areas like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and the North East States.
India is the only country across the world where the entire coffee cultivation is grown under shade, hand-picked and sun-dried. Indian coffee is highly valued in the world market and is sold as premium coffee in Europe.
The recognition and protection that comes with GI certification will allow the coffee producers of India to invest in maintaining the specific qualities of the coffee grown in that particular region. It will also enhance the visibility of Indian coffee in the world and allow growers to get the maximum price for their premium coffee.