₹25 crore sanctioned for setting up 2,500 women-run coffee kiosks in Karnataka: Minister

The government of Karnataka has sanctioned ₹25 crore for setting up 2,500 coffee kiosks (Akka Cafe), which will be operated by women trained under Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

The initiative was aimed at strengthening the coffee value chain and promoting economic empowerment through employment generation, Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil informed after inaugurating the India International Coffee Festival organised by the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI) at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru on February 12.

The Coffee Board, in collaboration with the National Rural Livelihood Mission–Karnataka, is providing training in coffee brewing, cafe management and entrepreneurship to one lakh women associated with Self-Help Groups across the State. The government is also extending scholarships to children of workers employed in coffee estates and large plantations in Kodagu district, according to the Minister.

It was also encouraging to see that coffee growers themselves were branding and showcasing their produce at the festival, the Minister said. For instance, at the ‘Kala Loka’ outlet set up by the Industries Department at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, coffee is being showcased and sold alongside more than 45 other GI-tagged products from the State, with distinctive packaging and branding, he informed.

Coffee is cultivated in 2.2 lakh hectares in Karnataka, making the State the largest producer in India. Nearly 75% of India’s total coffee production comes from Hassan, Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts. The festival has brought together growers, processors, exporters, roasters, café and hospitality service providers, equipment manufacturers, professionals and consumers under one roof, according to Mr. Patil.