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- The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has recently awarded Geographical Indication (GI) to five varieties of Indian coffee. Geographical Indications (GI) is an intellectual property right (IPR). It is a status accorded to a good which is unique to a particular region or area, and is originated from there.
- The five varieties of Indian coffee accorded GI tag are: a) Coorg Arabica coffee, b) Wayanaad Robusta coffee, c) Chikmagalur Arabica coffee, d) Araku Valley Arabica coffee, and e) Bababudangiris Arabica coffee. The Monsooned Malabar Robusta Coffee was the only variety awarded GI Tag earlier.
- The Coorg Arabica Coffee is grown in Kodagu district, Karnataka. The region biotic and abiotic conditions which provides uniqueness (unique aroma and flavour) to the Coffee grown in it.
- Chikmagalur Arabica coffee is grown Chikmagalur district, Malnad region of Karnataka. The district is considered to be the birthplace of coffee in India-the place where coffee was first grown.
- Bababudangiris Arabica coffee is also grown in Chikmagalur district. The coffee is also called high grown coffee which slowly ripens in the mild climate and thereby the bean acquires a special chocolaty taste and aroma.
- Wayanaad Robusta coffee is grown specifically in Wayanad district of Kerala. Wayanad produces almost around 90% of the Kerala’s Coffee produce. Coffee is grown both as pure crop and as mixed crop along with pepper. The Wayanad coffee is famous for its distinct flavour and aroma.
- Araku Valley Arabica coffee is grown in the hilly tracks of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh & Odisha. It is produced by the tribals, who follow an organic approach.
- In India, coffee is cultivated in about 4.54 lakh hectares. Coffee cultivation is mainly done in the Southern States of India the highest being in Karnataka followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. India is the only country in the world where the entire coffee cultivation is grown under shade, hand-picked and sun dried.
