Union minister of state for commerce Jairam Ramesh has opined that the famous Ananthagiri Coffee may not be there for obtaining geographic indication (GI) mark registration, if the proposed bauxite mining is to carried out in the Araku Valley region.
Mentioning the fears raised by some of the groups in the valley region that the region would be totally lost due to mining, Ramesh said that if it is so, it will really be painful. However, he quickly added that he is not against bauxite mining and development. ?There is a need for striking proper balance between development and environment,? he pointed out.
Speaking to media here on Friday, Ramesh said that one should find a solution to protect the Ananthagiri coffee, which is famous for its aroma and taste. When asked to propose one, he said, ?I have no answer, as of now.?
Interestingly, neither the government nor the farmers association or cooperative have ventured to apply for the GI registration of Ananthagiri coffee, as yet. But the Coffee Board has expressed its opinion that the Ananthagiri coffee has potential to get GI mark, if applied, Ramesh said.
Meanwhile, the Rubber Board has signed MoU with Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) in Rampachodavaram in East Godavari district. AP is non-traditional area where rubber is now been grown to a limited extent. The plantations initiated in 250 acres during 1994 in Maredumilli mandal in the east Godavari district by tribal groups, which are now yielding rubber on an average 700 kg to 800 kg per hectre in the first year of tapping.
The Rubber Board has proposed to implement Rubber Plantation Development Scheme in the state and considering to take up crop in 31,000 acres in the next six years. The cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 242.54 crore, which will be equally funded by state government and Rubber Board, Ramesh said.