Kalimpong Coffee to be showcased to the world: A State initiative– GetBengal story

Bengalis and tea share an unbreakable bond. The whole world is enamoured with the charm of Darjeeling tea. However, coffee cultivation has also been taking place in North Bengal for quite some time. Due to a lack of proper initiatives, it had not gained commercial recognition until now. The state government has taken the initiative to introduce Kalimpong’s coffee to the global market. The district administration’s main goal is to enhance the local economy through coffee farming and export this coffee to international markets.

In our country, coffee is mostly grown in South India. Under the Cinchona Project of the West Bengal government, experimental coffee farming began in Kalimpong during 2013–14. The soil in this district is well-suited for coffee cultivation. Farmers only need to learn the techniques of growing trees from seedlings. The saplings must be planted in the soil facing the east-west wind. When a branch starts growing on one side due to the southern wind, the sapling must then be turned in the opposite direction. According to experts, the coffee produced under the Cinchona Project is of exceptional taste and quality, able to rival any commercially available coffee in terms of flavour and aroma. To promote Kalimpong coffee on the international market, the state is taking a number of actions.

To improve coffee cultivation, a committee has been formed under the initiative of the District Magistrate comprising of the district administration, horticulture department, and representatives of coffee growers. Additionally, a district-level committee has been created to expand the scope of coffee farming, make various preparations, identify cultivation areas, and encourage farmers. In the future, block-level committees will also be formed. Apart from Kalimpong, coffee is being cultivated in extensive areas of Mungpoo, Rongo, Jaldhaka, and the Mansong Division. Coffee is also being sold locally through outlets. This coffee, grown in Bengal, is being sent to various parts of the country.

It is just a matter of time before major café chains in Bengal and India will be serving our own Kalimpong coffee to their esteemed customers.

Note : Translated by Debamita Ghosh Sarkar 

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