ISRO and Coffee Board Collaborate for a Sustainable Brew

The Indian Space Research Organisation is working with the Coffee Board to measure the carbon footprint of coffee plantations in India. This initiative responds to the EU's Deforestation Regulation. The effort includes developing climate-resilient coffee varieties to enhance production, quality, and international demand.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is collaborating with the Coffee Board of India to assess the carbon footprint of coffee production. This initiative is part of a broader effort to comply with the EU's Deforestation Regulation, which mandates that firms export products grown on non-deforested lands post-2020.

M Senthilkumar, Director of Research at the Coffee Board, revealed that ISRO is collecting data to analyze carbon sequestration in shaded coffee plantations. Climate change is impacting coffee yield and quality, and the Board aims to produce drought and pest-resistant coffee varieties.

India's coffee exports surged 40% to USD 1.8 billion in FY25. Efforts include trials of high-yielding varieties and securing Geographical Indications for two coffee types. Coffee growers like Komal and Akshay see significant opportunities for Indian coffee in global markets.

(With inputs from agencies.)