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In a notable departure from his long-standing association with tea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to focus on coffee in the 127th edition of his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat, delivered on Sunday. The Prime Minister, known for often linking his persona with India’s beloved chai culture, used this edition of the programme to bring attention to a different beverage that has been gaining recognition not just domestically but also on the global stage—Indian coffee. Highlighting the potential of coffee cultivation as both an economic and social tool, Modi spoke extensively about the coffee-growing regions of India, with particular emphasis on the Koraput district of Odisha, praising its unique quality and the transformative impact it has had on local communities.

Opening his address, Modi acknowledged his long-standing connection with tea, noting that it has been a significant part of his persona and political narrative. He said, “You all know my connection with tea. But today, I thought, why not talk about coffee in Mann Ki Baat?” With this statement, the Prime Minister signalled a shift in focus towards celebrating Indian coffee, emphasizing its growing importance in India’s agricultural and economic landscape. By bringing coffee into the discourse, Modi also highlighted the diversity of India’s agricultural production and the possibilities that exist beyond traditional crops, while continuing to draw attention to local and regional specialties.

Recalling the previous year’s edition of Mann Ki Baat, Modi mentioned Araku coffee from Andhra Pradesh, which he had spoken about last year. The Araku coffee region, already well-known for its distinct flavor and growing international reputation, served as a precursor to his discussion of Odisha’s Koraput coffee. The Prime Minister shared that several individuals from Odisha had written to him, expressing their desire to see Koraput coffee discussed in the programme. “Some time ago, many people from Odisha also shared their feelings with me about Koraput coffee. They wrote letters to me, requesting that Koraput coffee be discussed in Mann Ki Baat as well,” Modi said. This not only highlighted public interest in local agricultural products but also reflected the participatory nature of the radio programme, which regularly incorporates listener feedback.

Modi went on to describe Koraput coffee as “simply amazing,” praising its unique taste and aroma. Beyond its flavor, he emphasized the broader social and economic benefits of coffee cultivation in the region. According to the Prime Minister, the coffee industry in Koraput has become a vehicle for social transformation, enabling local communities to achieve both prosperity and recognition. He highlighted examples of individuals who left well-paying corporate jobs to dedicate themselves to coffee farming, motivated by their passion for the crop. “Such is their love for coffee that they left those jobs and are now working successfully in this field,” Modi remarked, illustrating how a commitment to agriculture can provide both livelihood and personal satisfaction.

The Prime Minister also noted the impact of coffee cultivation on women in the region, stating that coffee farming has brought tangible improvements to their lives. He pointed out that many women have gained both financial independence and social respect as a result of their engagement in coffee cultivation. Modi stressed the transformative power of agriculture, saying, “There are also many women whose lives have seen pleasant changes because of coffee. Coffee has brought them both respect and prosperity. Truly, it is rightly said—Koraput coffee is exceptionally delicious.” Through these remarks, he drew attention to how local agricultural initiatives, when supported appropriately, can foster inclusive development and empowerment.

Koraput’s suitability for coffee cultivation, Modi explained, arises from its unique agro-climatic conditions, which are ideal for producing high-quality Arabica coffee. Approximately 5,000 hectares in the state are under coffee cultivation, a figure that reflects both the potential and the growing scale of production in this non-traditional region. The Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Ltd (TDCCOL) plays a crucial role in this process, managing the end-to-end operations of procurement, drying, grading, and marketing, thereby ensuring the quality and consistency of the produce. Modi’s discussion of TDCCOL highlighted the institutional support that is critical for promoting agricultural products on a larger scale and integrating them into national and international markets.

Expanding his remarks to the national context, Modi noted that India’s coffee cultivation is primarily concentrated in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Karnataka accounts for nearly 70 percent of the country’s coffee production, with regions such as Chikmagalur, Coorg, and Hassan being particularly well-known for their Arabica and Robusta output. Kerala and Tamil Nadu contribute significant volumes as well, with areas such as Wayanad, Travancore, Malabar, Nilgiri, Pulney, Shevaroy, and Annamalai forming important cultivation hubs. Modi emphasized that non-traditional regions such as Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are increasingly contributing to the country’s coffee output, a trend that underscores the diversification of India’s agricultural portfolio and its potential to reach international markets.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the economic significance of coffee production and exports. During the first half of the fiscal year, from April to September, India’s coffee exports rose by 12.5 percent, reaching USD 1.05 billion. This increase reflects both growing international demand for Indian coffee and the potential for the country to strengthen its position in the global coffee market. Modi underscored the importance of maintaining quality, supporting farmers, and ensuring that local communities benefit from the expanding coffee trade.

In addition to highlighting specific regions, Modi also acknowledged India’s progress in coffee cultivation in the Northeast, noting that emerging areas are contributing to the global identity of Indian coffee. By expanding cultivation to previously underutilized regions, the country is broadening the geographical base of production, enhancing biodiversity, and providing new economic opportunities for farmers in remote areas. This diversification, Modi said, is essential for building a resilient agricultural sector that can cater to both domestic consumption and international demand.

Throughout his address, Modi consistently stressed the cultural, economic, and social importance of coffee in India. He highlighted that coffee cultivation is not merely an economic activity but a way to empower local communities, promote entrepreneurship, and ensure sustainable livelihoods. By showcasing Koraput coffee, he drew attention to the potential of non-traditional regions to emerge as centers of agricultural excellence. This focus aligns with broader government initiatives to promote tribal development, support women farmers, and strengthen rural economies through skill-building and institutional support.

Concluding his address, Modi reiterated the global appeal of Indian coffee and the diversity it represents. He spoke of traditional coffee regions such as Chikmagalur, Coorg, Hassan, Pulney, Shevaroy, Nilgiri, and Annamalai, as well as areas along the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border and in Kerala. He noted that the increasing international recognition of these varieties enhances India’s image as a producer of high-quality coffee and strengthens the economic prospects of farmers nationwide. “Indian coffee is becoming very popular all over the world. The diversity of Indian coffee is truly remarkable,” Modi said.

By shifting the spotlight from tea to coffee in his Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Modi not only celebrated India’s rich agricultural heritage but also underscored the potential of coffee cultivation to drive economic empowerment, social upliftment, and international recognition. His remarks highlighted Koraput as a model of how local communities, institutional support, and sustainable farming practices can transform both livelihoods and the broader perception of Indian agricultural products in the global marketplace. The address reinforced the government’s focus on promoting non-traditional crops, supporting tribal and rural economies, and creating pathways for inclusive growth through agriculture, while simultaneously encouraging citizens to take pride in India’s diverse and high-quality coffee varieties.

In essence, Modi’s discussion of Koraput coffee in the 127th edition of Mann Ki Baat served as a reminder that India’s agricultural potential extends far beyond traditional crops, and that investment in local farming, especially in non-traditional regions, can yield economic, social, and cultural dividends that benefit both local communities and the nation as a whole. By promoting coffee, particularly from regions like Koraput, the Prime Minister highlighted how traditional knowledge, passion, and institutional support can transform agriculture into a driver of development and a symbol of India’s growing presence in global markets.

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