JOIN USThe best coffee growers of the country were awarded at the India Coffee Awards ceremony organised by the Coffee Board of India on Wednesday.
The awards were divided into national and regional categories.
The best coffee growers for Arabica and Robusta types of coffee and their specialities were awarded the 'Flavour of India Fine Cup Award for the years 2016 and 2017. The award ceremony also witnessed the recognition of small coffee growers for the first time.
The winners were selected by a national and international jury of expert cuppers or coffee tasters as part of the 'Favour of India Fine Cup Award - Cupping Competition'.
"We faced difficulties with regard to lack of water availability but we did our best to maintain our quality by using dedicated good practices that helped us achieve a good quality yield," said Gowri Pandyanathan, a coffee grower from Yercaud and owner of Gowri Estate who won the national award for the best robusta coffee.
"The coffee growers are facing a tough time with lack of water, change in policies and non-assured income. In spite of this, they are doing their best to continue the practice. The coffee awards are an effort to recognise the same," said Dr M M Chengappa, chairman of Karnataka Planters Association.