GI Tag to five varieties of coffee

IGI Tag to five varieties of coffee

Question: Which of the following coffee variant/s is/are included in the recently declared GI Tag list by Government?
(1) Coorg Arabica
(2) Wayanad Robusta Coffee
(3) Araku Valley Arabica
(4) Vizag Coffee Mocha
Choose the correct option:
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) All of the above
Answer: (c)
Related facts:

  • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under Ministry of Commerce and Industry has awarded GI (Geographical Indication) Tag to five varieties of Coffee on 29th March, 2019.

These varieties include:

  • Coorg Arabica coffee: Itis grown specifically in the region of Kodagu district in Karnataka.
  • Wayanad Robusta coffee: Itis grown specifically in the region of Wayanad district of Kerala.
  • Chikmagalur Arabica coffee: Itis grown specifically in the region of Chikmagalur district of Karnataka.
  • Araku Valley Arabica coffee: Itis grown on the hilly tracks of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha region. This type of coffee is produced by the tribals following an organic approach.
  • Bababudangiris Arabica coffee It is grown in the region of Chikmagalur district. This type of coffee is selectively hand-picked and processed by natural fermentation.
  • In India, coffee is cultivated in about 4.54 lakh hectares by 3.66 lakh coffee farmers of which 98% are small farmers.
  • The main coffee growing States are: Karnataka – 54%; Kerala – 19%; Tamil Nadu – 8%. Coffee is also grown in non-traditional areas like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha (17.2%) and North East States (1.8%).
  • India is the only country in the world where the entire coffee cultivation is grown under shade, hand-picked and sun dried. Indian coffee is highly valued in the world market and sold as premium coffee in Europe.
  • The recognition and protection that comes with GI certification will allow the coffee producers of India to invest in maintaining the specific qualities of the coffee grown in that particular region.

Links:

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=189595

https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/five-coffee-varieties-get-gi-tag/article26680168.ece