How Coffee's Aroma Is Changing Bastar's Violent Maoist Narrative
NDTV
Darbha is the same place where a Maoist attack virtually wiped-off the Congress leadership of Chhattisgarh in 2013
Changing the narrative of Maoist violence, lack of development and unemployment associated with the worst-hit Bastar region is now witnessing a positive transformation and progressing on the path to becoming a hub for production of coffee.
The Bastar district, an underdeveloped region known for Maoist violence, is now witnessing a transformation as coffee production being carried out by the Horticulture College in association with the Coffee Board of India. This is providing employment opportunities to villagers and playing a significant role in doubling their income.
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.
"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," said Dr Singh.
