Stirring the Nation’s Cup: PM Modi Champions India's Coffee Legacy Beyond Tea

Unknown Apr 02, 2026 850 Views

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, famous for his chaiwalaism, has turned the spotlight on Indian coffee, especially praising Odisha’s Koraput coffee. In his recent Mann Ki Baat radio address, he highlighted the growing global popularity of Indian coffee and the socio-economic benefits it is bringing to cultivators, particularly women, in emerging coffee regions.

In a delightful twist to his well-known association with tea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently sparked nationwide enthusiasm for Indian coffee. During the 127th edition of his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat, Modi highlighted India’s rich and diverse coffee culture, underscoring its rising national and international fame.

The Prime Minister specially praised the Koraput coffee from Odisha, describing it as “truly delectable” and a source of pride for the region. Modi shared how many people from Koraput wrote to him, reflecting a passionate community where even professionals from thriving corporate careers have embraced coffee cultivation driven by sheer love for the beverage. This shift not only reflects passion but also economic opportunity, where coffee farming is transforming lives.

Modi noted that coffee cultivation has empowered many women in Koraput, bringing them respect and prosperity, thus marking a significant social change. He characterized Indian coffee as “coffee at its finest, brewed in India and loved by the world,” spotlighting the traditional shade-grown coffee method that produces its signature mild, full-bodied flavor.

In addition to Odisha’s Koraput, Modi praised historic coffee belts across southern India including Chikmagalur, Coorg and Hassan in Karnataka; Pulney, Shevaroy, Nilgiri, and Annamalai ranges in Tamil Nadu; and Wayanad, Travancore, and Malabar in Kerala. The Prime Minister emphasized the diversity and high quality of Indian coffee, which is expanding even to the Northeast, signaling new frontiers for farmers.

This fresh focus on coffee marks a powerful narrative complementing Modi’s iconic tea story, underlining India’s growing role in the global coffee market and the livelihood opportunities it sustains. Modi's encouragement aims at further popularizing Indian coffee both domestically and abroad, inspiring pride and entrepreneurship among cultivators.

Key highlights:

Modi shifts focus from his famous tea legacy to celebrate India’s emerging coffee culture.
Special mention and admiration for Odisha’s Koraput coffee, renowned for its rich flavor.
Growing coffee cultivation in Koraput fueled by passionate growers, including those from corporate backgrounds.
Socio-economic benefits to women coffee farmers recognized, transforming communities.
Indian coffee hailed for its diversity and quality across southern states and the Northeast.
Emphasis on traditional shade-grown methods contributing to Indian coffee's distinct taste.
Modi’s Mann Ki Baat program continues to spotlight grassroots stories and India’s cultural pride.

Sources: Mann Ki Baat, All India Radio; The Telegraph India; Mathrubhumi English; Indian Express; NDTV; Hindustan Times; IANS; The Week.

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