Amravati: Guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has expressed confidence that Chikhaldara’s coffee will get a national platform with efforts to market it from Chikhaldara to Delhi.Speaking at Vaidarbhiya Women’s Meet, Bawankule assured that the govt will focus on promoting Chikhaldara’s heritage coffee, creating employment opportunities and boosting tourism. He announced plans to support coffee production and value-added products. Chikhaldara coffee is largely grown in the Arabica variety, known for its taste and quality. It is gaining recognition for its unique flavour and quality, with local brands like Korku Coffee and Turf to Table promoting the region’s coffee beans. These brands emphasize the organic and handcrafted qualities of Chikhaldara coffee, which is grown in the Satpura hills of Vidarbha.The region cultivates both Arabica and Robusta coffee, each offering different flavour profiles. The coffee is grown under a canopy of trees, which protect the plants from direct sunlight and contribute to soil fertility. Local farmers handpick coffee cherries at peak ripeness, ensuring only the best beans are selected.Despite its potential, Chikhaldara coffee faces challenges such as climate variability, labour shortages, and inadequate infrastructure. However, efforts to adopt sustainable practices, like organic farming and rainwater harvesting, are underway. The region’s traditional farming methods position it well for the growing specialty coffee market.Korku Coffee, a local brand, offers a range of blends, including the ‘Melghat Midnight’ dark roast and ‘Sipna Serenade’ medium roast. These blends showcase the unique flavours of Chikhaldara coffee, with notes of citrus, fruit, and earthy undertones.Coffee produced in Chikhaldara has a strong demand in Maharashtra and is even sent to Mumbai and Bengaluru. The guardian minister’s announcement has brought hope to local coffee producers and women entrepreneurs, who showcased their products at the recent Umed meet.
