After a three-month hiatus due to the Model Code of Conduct for the election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought back his popular radio show, Mann Ki Baat. In its 111th episode, he highlighted the unique and diverse contributions of communities in India, from Kerala's Karthumbi umbrellas to Andhra Pradesh's Araku coffee to Kashmir's snow peas. He also congratulated the 65 crore voters and everyone involved in the successful execution of the world's largest election. Here are 10 things he spoke about in the episode.
Araku Coffee: A Culinary Delight from the Eastern Ghats
Araku coffee, hailing from the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, has garnered national and international recognition for its distinctive flavor profile and ethical production practices. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted the significance of this unique coffee variety during his "Mann Ki Baat" radio address.
Background:
The Araku Valley, located in Visakhapatnam district, is home to over 15,000 tribal farmers who have been cultivating coffee for generations. The region's high altitude, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil create ideal conditions for growing premium-quality coffee beans.
In the early 2000s, the farmers of Araku faced significant challenges due to low prices and exploitation by middlemen. To address these issues, the Naandi Foundation, a non-profit organization, partnered with the tribal farmers to establish the Araku Coffee Cooperative.
Unique Characteristics:
Araku coffee is renowned for its smooth and balanced flavor, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and citrus. It is grown using organic and sustainable practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact and fair compensation for the farmers.
The coffee is grown under the shade of forest trees, which provides habitat for a diverse array of wildlife and helps to preserve the local ecosystem. The farmers also practice agroforestry techniques, which involve planting a variety of other crops alongside the coffee plants.
Economic Impact:
The Araku Coffee Cooperative has significantly improved the economic well-being of the tribal farmers in the region. The cooperative has provided them with training, infrastructure, and access to markets, allowing them to earn fair prices for their coffee.
The cooperative has also invested in community development initiatives, such as healthcare, education, and housing, which have benefited the entire Araku Valley.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What makes Araku coffee unique?
Araku coffee is grown under shade trees in an organic and sustainable manner, resulting in a distinctive flavor profile and minimal environmental impact.
2. Who grows Araku coffee?
Araku coffee is grown by over 15,000 tribal farmers in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh.
3. How is Araku coffee different from other coffees?
Araku coffee has a smoother and more balanced flavor than many other coffees, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and citrus. It is also grown using ethical and sustainable practices that support the local community and environment.
4. Where can I buy Araku coffee?
Araku coffee is available at various specialty coffee shops and online retailers. It can also be purchased directly from the Araku Coffee Cooperative website.
5. What is the significance of Araku coffee being mentioned in "Mann Ki Baat"?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mention of Araku coffee in his "Mann Ki Baat" address highlights the significance of the coffee's unique characteristics, its economic impact on the tribal farmers, and its contribution to the rich cultural diversity of India.
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