Regional Recognition of Coffees from India
Context:
India's coffee sector has gained global recognition with its unique shade-grown varieties.
India has secured GI tags for five regional and two specialty coffee varieties. They are
Coorg Arabica Coffee (Karnataka)
Wayanad Robusta Coffee (Kerala)
Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee (Karnataka)
Araku Valley Arabica Coffee (Andhra Pradesh & Odisha)
Bababudangiris Arabica Coffee (Karnataka)
Monsooned Malabar Robusta Coffee (Specialty Coffee)
Monsooned Malabar Arabica Coffee (Specialty Coffee).
Role of Coffee Board of India
The Coffee Board is a statutory organization constituted under the Coffee Act VII of 1942.
It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Key Functions include:
Research & Development works like developing high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties
Facilitating exports of high-value and value-added coffees to global markets
Implementing quality standards and certification to ensure Indian coffee meets international benchmarks.
Providing technical and financial assistance to growers, predominantly smallholders.
Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999:
A GI is an indication identifying goods as originating from a territory/ region/locality where the quality, reputation or characteristics are essentially attributable to its geographical origin.
The act applies to agricultural, natural, manufactured goods, including handicrafts and foodstuffs.
GI protection is for goods only, not services.
Duration of GI Registration is 10 years and can be renewed further.
Relationship with Trade Marks:
A GI cannot be registered as a trade mark if it misleads people about origin.
Penal provisions include imprisonment (6 months to 3 years) and fine (Rs. 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh), with cognizable offences