Koraput Coffee ‘Pride of Odisha: PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Koraput coffee, calling it a source of pride for Odisha and highlighting the growing influence of its taste and socioeconomic impact during his 127th ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday.

 The Prime Minister noted that coffee cultivation in Koraput is not only celebrated for its distinctive taste but also for the socioeconomic benefits it provides, particularly to tribal communities and women farmers in the district.

Koraput Coffee Cultivation Has Changed Lives

PM Modi emphasised that coffee cultivation provides significant income and employment opportunities, encouraging youth to return to agriculture-driven enterprises. He also added that the rise of Koraput Coffee has not only enhanced livelihoods but also boosted Odisha’s presence on the global coffee map, with its aroma and flavour drawing interest from international buyers.

“There are people in Koraput who are cultivating coffee through their sheer passion. They were doing handsome jobs in the corporate world, but they liked coffee so much that they entered this field and are now successfully working in it. There are also many women whose lives have been pleasantly transformed by coffee,” said the PM.

Koraput Coffee: Pride of Odisha

Koraput, located in the Eastern Ghats and predominantly inhabited by tribal populations, has historically been considered one of India’s underdeveloped regions. The district’s cool climate and fertile terrain have made it well-suited for coffee plantations, which are increasingly helping farmers achieve both prosperity and recognition.

According to reports, the cultivation of coffee in Koraput dates back to the 1930s, initiated by the erstwhile King of Koraput, Rajbahadur Rama Chandra Deo. In 1958, the State Soil Conservation Department further expanded coffee plantations to support local agriculture.

Today, the Odisha government supports initiatives like the Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Limited (TDCCOL) and Koraput Agro Product Producer Company Limited, and it ensures that around 60 metric tonnes of coffee are procured from local farmers annually.

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The Odisha government has also assisted in branding ‘Koraput Coffee’, which has gained traction in national and international markets for its 100% Arabica beans and unique flavour profile.

Recognising these, PM said, “Koraput Coffee is truly delectable! This indeed is a pride of Odisha.”