The Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC) would promote coffee plantation in 1 lakh acres in the Paderu Agency area in the district.
The project to be taken over the next 18 years would be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 526 crore.
Half the funds would be from the Tribal Sub Plan funds and the other half from the subsidy offered by Coffee Board, Minister for Tribal Welfare Ravela Kishore Babu said.
Long gestation
The project would have a long gestation period as it depends on the growth of silver oak plantation to provide shade to the coffee plants. The tribals would be formed into groups to be able to get most from the project.
The Government was planning to bring experts to improve the coffee cultivation and post harvest in the Agency area. Baby pulper units would also be set up at a number of places to improve the post harvest handling of the crop.
Best techniques
The GCC would educate the tribals on the best techniques and also on intercropping with pepper and other such plants to ensure higher returns, the Minister told the media after inaugurating a new sales outlet of the GCC and launching a summer health drink.
To be taken up in one lakh acres in the Paderu area, the project is estimated to cost Rs. 526 crore
