New Delhi, Mar 6 (KNN) In a bid to protect the crop, The coffee board has applied for registration of Araku coffee under Geographical Indications, Minister of Commerce and Industry, C.R Chaudhary informed the lower house recently.

“The board has applied for the tag to protect the unique identity of the coffee grown by the tribal communities of Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh”, the Minister informed.

Elaborating on the recent initiatives taken by the government he said, the Central Government, through the Coffee Board, is promoting production of coffee in Araku Valley by implementing the “Integrated Coffee Development Project”.

The scheme includes extending financial support for replanting and expansion, creation of water harvesting and irrigation infrastructures and mechanisation of coffee estate operations. In the non-traditional areas financial support is extended for consolidation of existing coffee plantations through gap filling and application of compost.

Technical assistance is also provided by organising capacity building programs and field demonstrations. The Coffee Board is facilitating collective marketing of Araku Coffee by providing incentives at Rs. 10 per Kg for SHGs and grower collectives, the official release informed.

Arabica coffee from the Araku Valley area has gained popularity as a high quality specialty coffee across globe.

Also the Coffee Board has developed exclusive logos for coffee grown in the country based on their geographical distinctiveness.

Coffee Board encourages the coffee growers to participate in the “Flavour of India-The Fine Cup Award” competition organised by Coffee Board every year, the release from the Ministry informed. (With PIB Inputs)