Context:
Araku coffee found mention in Prime Minister’s ‘Mann ki Baat’.
Araku Coffee:
- Type of Arabica Coffee
- Grows in – Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
- Takes its name from Araku Valley, situated in the Eastern Ghats (Andhra Pradesh).
- Significance – Accredited with Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2019.
Coffee:
- Origin – Ethiopia
- Growing conditions –
- Climate – Hot and humid climate
- Temperature – 15°C to 28°C
- Rainfall – 150 to 250 cm with shaded sun
- Soil type – Well-drained loamy soils, fertile volcanic red earth, and presence of humus and minerals (iron, calcium).
- Largest producer of coffee – Brazil
Coffee production in India:
- India – 6th largest producer in the world
- Major coffee producing states – Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha
- Coffee varieties in India –
| Arabica | Robusta | |
| Origin | Ethiopia | Africa |
| Cultivation | High altitude | Lower areas |
| Production | 70% of the world’s coffee production | 30% of the world’s coffee production |
| Caffeine | About 1.2 to 1.5% | About 2.2 to 2.7% |
| Resistance | Less pest resistant | Disease and pest resistant |
| Best in India | Grown in Coorg, Araku Valley, Chikmagalur and Bababudangiris | Wayanaad Robusta Coffee |
Source: Economic Times
Previous Year Question
With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements:
1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
4. The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 4
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct:
The Tea Board is functioning as a statutory body of the Central Government under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Statement 3 is not correct:
Its headquarters is located in Kolkata.
