The Horticulture College, in association with the Coffee Board of India, is producing coffee in the Bastar region in Chhattisgarh, primarily known for its Maoist violence.?

Four varieties of Coffee Arabica and one variety of Coffee Robusta were planted on 20 acres on an experimental basis in 2017-18, horticulture scientist Krishna Pal Singh said.

Speaking to ANI, Dr Singh said,?"Coffee plantations started in Bastar in 2016 are now emerging as a business model. In 2016, the district administration had initiated a move for proper utilisation of forest lands to the holders of Van Adhikar Patta (Forest Land Deed) at Darbha block and the plantation of coffee was started."

The entire idea of coffee cultivation was shared with the then Collector of Bastar Amit Kataria around 2013 and impressed by the innovative plan, the district administration granted funds under District Mineral Foundation (DMF), said Dr Singh.

He further elaborated that under this initiative, the plantation of four separate varieties of coffee Arabica and a variety of coffee Robusta was started respectively in 2017 and 2018 while the first production was commenced in 2020.

Currently, the coffee plantation has been completed in around 100 acres of land and its aroma in brand name 'Bastar Coffee' is spreading across the country, adds ANI.?