Wayanadan Robusta: Kerala’s Premium Brew Eyes Global Stage
Kerala, known for its lush green hills and aromatic coffee, is all set to make its mark on the global stage with its own premium brand of robusta coffee, ‘Wayanadan Robusta’. This move is part of the Climate Smart Coffee Project spearheaded by the Department of Industries under the Kerala government, aiming to transform local robusta into a world-class specialty brew.
Wayanad, a district in Kerala, is renowned for its coffee plantations, which produce some of the finest coffee beans in the country. The region’s unique climate, soil, and altitude create an ideal environment for coffee cultivation, resulting in a distinct flavor profile that is both rich and smooth. The coffee beans grown in Wayanad are known for their high quality, with a medium to dark roast flavor, a hint of spice, and a rich aroma that is unmistakable.
The Climate Smart Coffee Project, initiated by the Kerala government, aims to promote sustainable coffee production practices, improve the quality of coffee, and increase its global competitiveness. The project focuses on robusta coffee, a variety that is widely cultivated in Wayanad, with the goal of transforming it into a world-class specialty brew. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Indian Coffee Research Institute (ICRI), the Coffee Board, and other stakeholder organizations.
The project’s objectives are multifaceted. Firstly, it aims to improve the quality of robusta coffee by introducing new agricultural practices, such as precision farming, crop rotation, and composting. Secondly, it seeks to reduce the environmental impact of coffee production by promoting sustainable practices, such as rainwater harvesting, mulching, and organic farming. Thirdly, it aims to increase the global competitiveness of Wayanadan coffee by creating a premium brand that is recognized for its quality, flavor, and sustainability.
To achieve these objectives, the project has identified a number of key areas for intervention. These include:
- Farm-level interventions: The project is working with coffee farmers to improve their agricultural practices, including the use of precision farming, crop rotation, and composting.
- Processing and quality control: The project is establishing a network of processing units and quality control laboratories to ensure that the coffee is processed and graded according to international standards.
- Marketing and branding: The project is developing a marketing strategy that will position Wayanadan Robusta as a premium brand, both domestically and internationally.
- Sustainability and environmental impact: The project is promoting sustainable practices, such as rainwater harvesting, mulching, and organic farming, to reduce the environmental impact of coffee production.
The project has already made significant progress in achieving its objectives. According to the Kerala government, the project has helped to increase the yield of coffee farmers in Wayanad by 20%, while also reducing their environmental impact by 30%. The project has also generated significant revenue for the farmers, with the value of coffee exports from Wayanad increasing by 50% over the past two years.
The success of the project has also caught the attention of international coffee companies, which are keen to partner with Wayanadan coffee farmers to source high-quality, sustainable coffee. The project has already partnered with several international companies, including coffee giants like Starbucks and Nescafe, to promote Wayanadan Robusta globally.
In conclusion, the Climate Smart Coffee Project is an innovative initiative that is transforming Wayanad’s robusta coffee into a world-class specialty brew. The project’s focus on sustainability, quality, and marketing is expected to position Wayanadan Robusta as a premium brand globally, while also generating significant revenue for coffee farmers in Wayanad. As the project continues to grow and expand, it is expected to have a lasting impact on the coffee industry in Kerala and beyond.
News Source:
https://newskarnataka.com/s/bjc4qo
