Odisha, November 7, 2024 – In a key effort to support local farmers, the Integrated Social Welfare and
Research Centre (ISWAR) have partnered to launch Project Unnati Coffee in the Koraput district of Odisha.
This initiative, inaugurated today by the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha and Minister of Agriculture
and Farmers' Empowerment, Energy, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, aims to improve the lives of farmers in
Odisha by increasing coffee production and profitability through sustainable practices. Aligned with the
Government’s Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, the project will explore the coffee-
growing potential of the region, particularly among tribal communities.
Key areas of focus, building on the successful groundwork laid in Karnataka’s Kodagu district earlier, include
improving coffee productivity and quality, expanding membership in Farmers Producer Organizations
(FPOs), and providing comprehensive training and resources to support farmers’ livelihoods.
ISWAR will implement extensive training programs that emphasize modern agricultural techniques and
sustainable practices. This initiative will equip farmers with essential skills to improve their coffee
production, ultimately leading to enhanced income opportunities.
“Sj. Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha & Minister of Agriculture and
Farmers' Empowerment, Energy, Odisha, stated, “The Government of Odisha is deeply committed to
supporting our coffee growers and fostering sustainable agriculture in the state. We welcome the
participation of private companies in this journey. Projects like Unnati Coffee are crucial in enhancing coffee
cultivation, particularly in districts like Koraput. This initiative aligns well with the Government of Odisha's
ongoing initiatives, such as the Coffee Plantation for Sustainable Livelihoods scheme and the promotion of
the Koraput Coffee brand, bringing Odisha’s unique coffee to a larger market, ensuring a prosperous future
for our communities.”"
Piyush Ranjan Mishra, CEO, ISWAR, remarked, “Through this collaboration, we aim to uplift the tribal
communities in Koraput by maximizing their coffee-growing potential. By enhancing productivity and
quality, expanding the Farmers Producer Organization, and establishing strong market linkages, we can
create a sustainable model that benefits farmers and the local economy”
About Project Unnati Program –
The project is part of Coca-Cola’s Fruit Circular Economy initiative, which is a key pillar of the Company’s
ESG priorities – Sustainable Agriculture. Project Unnati aims to support the Indian agri-ecosystem by
enhancing farming efficiency, strengthening forward linkages, and building food-processing capacity in the
country. Over more than a decade, Project Unnati has helped empower and enable over 4 lakh farmers
across 13 states and Union Territories in India. Focused on seven crop varieties Mango, Apple, Orange,
Grapes, Litchi, Coffee, and sugarcane, the program is aimed at propelling the horticulture supply chain and
building agriculture production capacities across the country.