Relevance: GS-3 (Agriculture, Export Promotion); Source: PIB, Coffee Board of India

India is promoting its specialty coffee globally, supported by better branding, GI-tagged varieties, and export-oriented initiatives.

India’s Coffee Sector – An Overview

GI-Tagged Coffees 

• Coorg Arabica Coffee, Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee, Araku Valley Coffee, Wayanad Robusta Coffee, Bababudangiris Arabica Coffee, Monsooned Malabar Coffee.
  GI tags help protect origin-linked quality and support rural branding.

Institutions and Policies Promoting Indian Coffee

• Coffee Board of India (Ministry of Commerce) – research, quality control, branding, market intelligence.
• Support Schemes – replantation subsidy, quality upgradation, entrepreneurship support.
• Export Promotion – India Brand Equity Foundation campaigns; promotion at global fairs.
• Sustainability Focus – emphasis on eco-friendly farming aligned with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Q. With reference to Indian coffee, consider the following:

1. Araku Valley Coffee and Monsooned Malabar Coffee have Geographical Indication protection.
2. Coffee Board functions under the Ministry of Agriculture.
3. Most Indian coffee is shade-grown.

Which of the above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)