Kochi :

The Kerala government’s decision to brand and market Wayanad coffee in the recent state budget, close on the heels of Coffee Board’s decision to apply for its geographical indication (GI), could make it the singular robusta variety from India to attract attention.

Wayanad in north Kerala grows around 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes of robusta coffee annually, making it the prominent region in the country cultivating the variety.

Most of the locations in Karnataka, the largest producer of the beverage in the country, grow both arabica and robusta beans. Just over a month ago, the Coffee Board had applied for GI status for Baba Budan Giri, Araku Valley, Coorg and Chikmagalur coffee along with with Wayanad coffee. While the first two are exclusively arabica, the latter two have both arabica and robusta.

“We are sure of receiving the GI tag for Wayanad coffee as we can easily authenticate the scientific and historic evidence for the coffee as required under GI documentation,’’ said K Basavaraj, head, quality division, Coffee Board.

Brahmagiri Development Society, a cooperative of 13,000 farmers, in Wayanad, which came into limelight with the production of various meat under the brand Malabar Meat, is gearing up to play a stellar role in the branding of Wayanad coffee too. With the Kerala government’s encouragement, it has drawn up a plan to construct IRs 60-crore instant coffee factory.

Instant coffee can be sold for Rs 3,000-7,000 per kg bringing more revenue to the growers. Besides the special aroma of Wayanad coffee, its growth in semi-forest area helps in environment protection. So, we can also factor in carbon neutrality of the region for branding,’’ said P Krishnaprasad, chairman of the society.

source: http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> ET Home> Markets> Commodities> News / by ET Bureau / February 08th, 2018