Bhubaneswar: Koraput Coffee, the aromatic brew cultivated in the lush hills of southern Odisha, received significant national acclaim on October 26 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it as a “matter of pride for Odisha” and a “symbol of self-reliance and empowerment” during the 127th episode of his monthly radio address, ‘Mann Ki Baat’. The Prime Minister’s commendation prompted warm responses from Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, both of whom regarded the mention as a proud moment for the state and a tribute to the resilience of its tribal and women farmers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Koraput Coffee, highlighting it as a point of pride for Odisha and an example of how local enterprise can drive social and economic transformation. He noted that coffee cultivation in Koraput, known for its distinct flavour and aroma, has become a powerful catalyst for rural development, particularly benefiting tribal communities and women farmers. The success of Koraput Coffee, he stated, embodies both the spirit of self-reliance and the increasing global appreciation for India’s local produce.
Koraput coffee is very tasty. It is the pride of Odisha!#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/FIp5yRhpT4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 26, 2025
“There are people in Koraput who cultivate coffee out of pure passion. Some have left lucrative corporate jobs to pursue their love for coffee and are now thriving. Many women have also found empowerment and transformation through coffee farming,” said the Prime Minister.
He remarked that coffee cultivation in the region has opened new avenues for income generation and employment, inspiring youth to engage in agriculture and entrepreneurship. With its distinctive taste and rising exports, Koraput Coffee has firmly established Odisha on the global coffee map, he added.
It is worth noting that Koraput, located in the scenic Eastern Ghats, has long been considered one of India’s less-developed districts. However, its cool climate and fertile terrain make it ideal for coffee plantations, enabling local farmers to enhance their livelihoods while preserving traditional cultivation practices.
The history of coffee cultivation in Koraput dates back to the 1930s, when it was first introduced by the region’s erstwhile king, Rajbahadur Rama Chandra Deo. The initiative gained momentum in 1958, when the State Soil Conservation Department expanded coffee plantations to bolster local agriculture.
Today, the Odisha government continues to promote coffee farming through organisations such as the Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Limited (TDCCOL) and the Koraput Agro Product Producer Company Limited (KAPPCO). Together, they procure around 60 metric tonnes of coffee annually from tribal farmers.
The state has also made significant progress in branding and marketing ‘Koraput Coffee’, which has garnered recognition in both national and international markets for its 100% Arabica beans and unique flavour profile.
CM Mohan Majhi Expresses Pride
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his delight on Sunday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the rich taste and growing impact of Koraput Coffee during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme.
In a social media post, the Chief Minister stated that the Prime Minister’s appreciation of Koraput Coffee marks a moment of pride for Odisha. He described Koraput Coffee as “a testament to Odisha’s diverse climate and harvest” and “a reflection of the hard work and resilience of local coffee cultivators, particularly women farmers.”
This morning, pride brewed with joy when the Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi mentioned in his Mann Ki Baat programme about the taste and impact Koraput Coffee has had on Odisha and Bharat. Koraput coffee is a testament of Odisha’s diverse climate and harvest. De facto, it is also a… pic.twitter.com/hyFbt8J6A0
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) October 26, 2025
“Pride brewed with joy when the Prime Minister spoke about the taste and impact Koraput Coffee has had on Odisha and Bharat. It showcases not just the diversity of our land but also the strength of our farming communities,” Majhi wrote.
Encouraging people to savour the local flavour, the Chief Minister added, “This Sunday, brew a cup of Odisha’s homegrown coffee and spend some quality time with your family. India’s coffee is truly brewed in India and loved by the world.”
Koraput Coffee, grown in the tribal highlands of southern Odisha, has garnered recognition for its unique aroma and flavour, increasingly finding its place in both national and international markets.
Union Minister Pradhan Thanks PM Modi
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for mentioning ‘Koraput Coffee’ during the 127th episode of his radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
In a post on X, Pradhan quoted the Prime Minister as saying, “Koraput Coffee is extremely delicious; it is the pride of Odisha.”
Pradhan stated that coffee cultivation in Koraput has given Odisha a new identity and positively impacted the lives of local farmers. He described it as a true recognition of the hard work of Odisha’s tribal farmers and the state’s rich agricultural heritage.
Koraput Coffee is unique and delectable. It is Odisha’s pride.
Gratitude to Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji for encouraging Koraput coffee growers and providing #KoraputCoffee a global platform in the #MannKiBaat today. Coffee cultivation in Koraput has had a significant… https://t.co/qtUfMDWLsC
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) October 26, 2025
He further noted that the Prime Minister’s appreciation of Koraput Coffee is highly inspiring for farmers across the country. “This encouragement for local products is a strong step towards ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Atmanirbhar Odisha’, and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” he added.
Recalling his visit to Koraput in July, Pradhan mentioned inspecting the coffee gardens and interacting with farmers and officials involved in coffee cultivation. He stated that the global demand for Koraput Coffee is steadily increasing, making it a profitable crop. He urged collective efforts to expand production and establish ‘Brand Koraput’ as a globally recognised name.
Additionally, Pradhan endorsed the Prime Minister’s appeal to participate in the ‘Run for Unity’ to be held on October 31 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India.
He also referred to the Prime Minister’s remarks on the composition of ‘Vande Mataram’, calling it a powerful symbol of patriotism and national unity.
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