Arunachal Pradesh CM pushes for expanded coffee cultivation

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has called for expanded coffee cultivation to boost the income of local growers and strengthen the state's agricultural value chain. Speaking at the ‘Hills to Cup’ Coffee Workshop, organized by the Coffee Board of India and the state's Agriculture Department, Khandu noted that while coffee cultivation began in the state nearly fifty years ago, it has lacked sufficient awareness and promotion.

Currently, approximately 600 hectares are under coffee cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh. To address technical gaps and improve bean quality, the Chief Minister has formed a three-member delegation—including agriculture officials and the Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Corporation—to study successful cultivation models in Andhra Pradesh and other states. The state government intends to develop specific policies to support growers and entrepreneurs based on upcoming technical recommendations from the Coffee Board of India.