Government launches Coffee Connect app and KrishiTharanga project

Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry launched Coffee Connect-India coffee field force app and Coffee KrishiTharanga – digital mobile extension services project for coffee stakeholders. These initiatives were developed by Coffee Board of India for the overall technological advancement of the coffee sector and value chain.

Coffee Connect mobile app

The application has been developed to ease the work of field functionaries and to improve the work efficiency. It provides solution by harnessing power of mobility comprising latest technology in easing whole process of field activities like digitization of coffee growers and estates with geo tagging, collecting pllantation details. It will also help in enhancing transparency in activities of extension officers and officials, transparency in subsidy disbursement and real time report generation. It has been developed by Coffee Board of India in association with National Institute for Smart Government (NISG).

Coffee KrishiTharanga Project

It is IVR based digital mobile extension service jointly developed by Coffee Board and Precision Agriculture for Development India Foundation (PADIF). It is aimed at providing customised information and services to increase productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability. The customised services are two ways, 24 by 7 service supports. It is also aimed at maximising reach of Board’s services in limited time available. It has been

Coffee production in India

India is 6th largest coffee producer in the world with 4% share after Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia and Ethiopia. In India, coffee is cultivated in India in about 4.54 lakh hectares by 3.66 lakh coffee farmers and 98% of them are small farmers. Karnataka (54%), Kerala (19%) and Tamil Nadu (8%) are largest coffee producing states.  India accounts for only 4-5% of world’s coffee output, but exports 70-80% of its produce. Italy, Russia and Germany are the top three buyers of Indian coffee.   In India, two coffee varieties robusta (or Coffea canephora) and Coffea arabica are grown on large scale.

Coffee Board of India

Coffee Board of India is an autonomous body, functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It was set up under an Act of Parliament in 1942. It focuses on research, development, extension, quality upgradation, market information, and the domestic and external promotion of Coffees of India.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2018