Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is chalking out a plan to expand coffee plantation in three more tribal regions of the state.
According to Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, plans are afoot to promote coffee plantation in Rayagada, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts. The aim is to transform these areas into thriving coffee cultivation hubs following the success story of plantation in Koraput district, she said.
“The identification of suitable land for coffee plantations is a critical part of the process. A team has been formed and engaged to carry out land identification work, visiting various potential sites in three regions,” the Deputy CM was quoted by TOI as saying.
Noting that coffee plantation is a time-consuming process that requires vast tracts of land, Parida said once suitable land is identified, farmers will receive training, and at least 2 lakh coffee plants will be procured for plantation.
Apart from being endowed with rich mineral resources, Odisha also offers favourable weather and sites for coffee cultivation. Coffee produced in Koraput has earned a reputation for its exceptional taste and quality.
Plantation in three new regions will further elevate the state’s profile as a major coffee producer, offering farmers greater benefits and contributing to Odisha’s emergence as a coffee hub in the coming years.
The directorate of soil conservation and watershed development, will oversee the implementation in collaboration with Coffee Board of India. The government has been aiming to benefit over 50,000 farm families, who will be associated with the coffee farming.
