Coffee Farmers in Andhra Pradesh Set for Year-Round Profits from Leaf Exports
Coffee farmers in Andhra Pradesh, particularly those in the Alluri Sitarama Raju district, are poised to significantly boost their income in the coming months. Traditionally reliant on selling coffee fruits for just three months annually, they can now generate revenue throughout the year by harvesting and selling coffee leaves up to six times annually. This innovative approach focuses on exporting coffee leaf by-products, opening new economic avenues for tribal communities.
Hyderabad Company Drives Export Initiative with Government Support
Greenayush Pvt Ltd, a Hyderabad-based firm, is leading this initiative by seeking to formalize an agreement with the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA). The company aims to export Araku leaf black coffee, a product that gained international attention when showcased at the Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo in Dubai five months ago. Previously, the company marketed coffee leaf tea but lacked certification for black coffee shelf-life.
CEO P Rajesh recently met with Alluri Sitarama Raju district collector Dinesh Kumar to outline plans. Rajesh emphasized that the company does not require land allocations, grants, or subsidies. Instead, it seeks government assistance in facilitating a district-level procurement awareness Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen organized purchasing systems for coffee leaves from tribal farmers.
Superior Quality of Araku Coffee Leaves
Extensive testing revealed that coffee leaves from the Araku region contain higher mineral values compared to those from Karnataka, Wayanad in Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. This superiority is attributed to the rich and fertile soil of the area, making Araku leaves ideal for premium export products.
Processing and Production Details
The production process for coffee leaf products involves several meticulous steps:
- Washing the harvested leaves thoroughly.
- Oxidation and whitening, which includes grinding the leaves.
- Dehydration to remove moisture and ensure preservation.
This method applies to both coffee leaf tea and black coffee variants. Rajesh assured that no preservatives or synthetic additives are used. Instead, plant-based ingredients like blackberries, other fruits, or flowers are incorporated to retain natural flavors through flavor-based formulations.
Ambitious Procurement and Export Plans
Greenayush plans to initially procure 30 to 40 tonnes of coffee leaves per month, with potential increases based on international demand. After five years of intensive research, formulation development, and adoption of advanced processing technologies, the product now meets stringent international export standards. A patenting process is currently underway, and partners from 27 countries have expressed interest following the Dubai expo.
Government Commitment to Farmer Welfare
District collector Dinesh Kumar affirmed the government's support, stating that if export potential is confirmed, authorities will help connect the company with tribal farmers. A pilot project will be launched in one or two mandals to monitor progress and ensure benefits for farmers. Future plans will be discussed and developed based on initial outcomes, emphasizing a collaborative approach to enhance rural livelihoods.
This initiative not only diversifies income sources for coffee farmers but also positions Andhra Pradesh as a key player in the global market for innovative agricultural by-products.
