Bhubaneswar, September 15: Odisha's renowned Koraput coffee received a major international boost after being served to delegates at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, putting the tribal farmer-grown product in the global spotlight.
Reacting to the development, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said the recognition reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi's continued efforts to promote Koraput coffee across India and abroad.
"We always say that with Modi, everything is possible. He spoke about Koraput coffee in 'Mann Ki Baat', which is when the promotion of Koraput coffee began across the country. Today, at the BRICS Summit, leaders from around the world gathered and offering them Koraput coffee is not just about a product from Odisha; it is a huge boost for the branding of Odisha's tourism," she said.
Parida said the international exposure could strengthen the livelihoods of tribal coffee growers while also promoting Koraput as a tourism destination.
Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister, she said the serving of Koraput coffee to foreign leaders marked an important milestone for Odisha's home-grown product.
"Now, Koraput coffee stalls will come up not just across the country but abroad as well. When Modi ji placed Koraput coffee in the hands of foreign leaders, it truly meant Odisha First," Parida said.
Cultivated largely by tribal farmers in the hilly terrain of Koraput district, the coffee is known for its distinctive flavour and cultivation practices. The region's unique climate and elevation have helped the locally grown coffee gain increasing recognition among consumers and coffee enthusiasts.
The showcasing of Koraput coffee at the BRICS Summit is also being viewed as part of Odisha's broader efforts to promote indigenous products and tribal entrepreneurship on national and international platforms.
The initiative highlights the state's focus on linking sustainable agriculture with economic empowerment, while creating wider markets and new opportunities for tribal communities engaged in coffee cultivation.
