Karnataka, known as the largest coffee producer in India, has unveiled plans to focus on branding the Geographical Indication (GI) tagged Arabica varieties cultivated in the districts of Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu. Additionally, the government aims to boost coffee eco-tourism in the state.
Presenting the state budget for 2023-24, Chief Minister Siddaramiah highlighted the unique flavor and aroma of the Arabica coffee varieties found in Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Bababudanagiri, all of which carry the GI tag. The government intends to undertake measures to promote and brand Karnataka coffee while encouraging coffee eco-tourism.
Karnataka dominates the coffee production landscape, accounting for more than two-thirds of the coffee produced in India. According to the post-monsoon estimates of the Coffee Board, out of the 3.6 lakh tonnes of coffee produced during 2022-23, Karnataka contributed 2.54 lakh tonnes, including 72,945 tonnes of Arabicas and 1.81 lakh tonnes of Robustas. Both coffee varieties are cultivated in the three key producing districts of Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Hassan.
In addition to the coffee sector, Siddaramiah emphasized the horticultural sector's potential and outlined plans to enhance production, processing, branding, and export of horticultural crops in Karnataka.
The state will prioritize crops such as coconut, areca nut, grapes, pomegranate, mango, and other fruits, as well as vegetables and flowers. The budget has allocated five crore rupees for disease control measures in the horticultural sector during the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Furthermore, the government plans to establish eight cold storage and processing units to facilitate the processing and storage of horticultural produce.
