Koraput Coffee Truly Delectable, Pride of Odisha: PM in 'Mann Ki Baat'

In the 127th episode of "Mann Ki Baat" on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Koraput Coffee as a symbol of Odisha's pride, highlighting its growing popularity and the positive impact of its cultivation on the local community. Modi, who often references his early years as a chaiwala, expressed his enthusiasm for discussing coffee, acknowledging his well-known association with tea.

The Prime Minister noted that many people from Odisha had shared their feelings regarding Koraput coffee, prompting him to feature it in his program. He described the coffee as "truly delectable" and a source of pride for Odisha, emphasizing that its cultivation is benefiting the people of the region. Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, Koraput has emerged as an inspiring hub for coffee cultivation.

Modi highlighted that the story of Koraput coffee is not just about the taste, but also about the passion and perseverance of the cultivators. He noted that some individuals in Koraput left their corporate jobs to pursue coffee cultivation, driven by their love for the beverage. According to the PM, Indian coffee is becoming very popular all over the world.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the social impact of coffee cultivation in the region, noting that many women's lives have been "pleasantly transformed" through coffee farming, gaining both respect and prosperity.

Koraput coffee has built its reputation on sustainable, shade-grown Arabica cultivated by tribal farmers. These coffees, often marketed as organic and single-origin, are now finding markets across Europe and Asia. Modi recalled mentioning Araku coffee in a previous "Mann Ki Baat" episode, drawing a parallel between the two regions known for their high-quality coffee production.

PM Modi also touched upon the diversity of coffee from different regions of India including Chikmagalur, Coorg and Hassan in Karnataka; Pulney, Shevaroy, Nilgiri and Annamalai in Tamil Nadu; the Biligiri region on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border; and the areas of Wayanad, Travancore and Malabar in Kerala. He also stated that the North-East is also progressing in coffee cultivation which is further strengthening the identity of Indian coffee worldwide.

The Prime Minister's praise for Koraput coffee in "Mann Ki Baat" is expected to further boost its recognition and popularity, both within India and internationally. His words underscored the potential of local produce to gain national recognition through quality and commitment, making Koraput coffee a shining example for other emerging coffee-growing regions in India.