Context:
A recent study says that genetically cultivated Arabica coffees offer better brews
Coffee:
- Coffee – A health drink particularly when mixed with hot milk.
- 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).
- Brazil – Largest producer of coffee
- India – 6th largest producer in the world
- Health benefits – Protection against oxidative damage, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and age-related diseases etc.
- Development in India – Arab traders introduced this with coffee plantations in South India and Sri Lanka.
- A Sufi, Baba Budan, grew coffee plants around Chikamagaluru, Karnataka.
Caffeine is a molecule that stimulates the central nervous system.
Coffee varieties in India:
| Arabica | Robusta | |
| Origin of name | 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 |
Chicory coffee:
- Made from minced and roasted chicory root
- Native to – Europe and Asia
- India – 3rd largest producer
- Grown in – Eastern states (Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim)
- Have lower caffeine content makes it a suitable complement to coffee
- Contains inulin
- Inulin – A starchy substance beneficial for health which is found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including wheat, onions, bananas, leeks, artichokes, and asparagus.
- It possesses mild laxative properties and it decreases swelling and is rich in beta-carotene, providing superior protection against oxidative damage.
Kumbakonam Degree Coffee is famous because of its pure Arabica variety without usage of Chicory – A city in Tamil Nadu – Received GI Tag.
Coffee Board of India:
- Statutory organization
- Constituted under – Section (4) of the Coffee Act, 1942
- Ministry – Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Headquarters – Bangalore
- Board comprises 33 Members including the Chairperson
- Focuses on – Areas of research, extension, development, market intelligence, external & internal promotion for coffee.
Read more about: International Coffee Organization (ICO)
Source: The Hindu
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.
