Bhubaneshwar, Nov 27, 2024: In the heart of Odisha’s Koraput district, a pioneering initiative is changing the lives of tribal communities of village Padalput by integrating sustainable coffee farming with ecotourism.
A partnership between Coca Cola and NGO Integrated Social Welfare and Research Centre (ISWAR) under the former's Project Unnati Coffee is helping the tribal village of Punjishil, 500 km from Bhubaneshwar, home to 45 families of the Paroja tribe, build a sustainable source of income while preserving its rich biodiversity.
This innovative approach is improving livelihoods and creating a new model of economic growth that is rooted in environmental stewardship and community empowerment.
Recognizing opportunities, ISWAR started working with the Paroja tribe integrating sustainable coffee farming with ecotourism. Young tribals were trained as guides and tribal families opened their homes to visitors, offering traditional meals.
Piyush Ranjan Mishra, CEO, ISWAR, said: "Project Unnati Coffee has not only improved livelihoods but also inspired the community to embrace sustainable practices. By integrating coffee farming with ecotourism, we’ve seen a transformation in Punjishil. This initiative is enhancing productivity and quality, strengthening the Farmers Producer Organization, and creating strong market linkages. Together we are building a model that benefits not just farmers but the local economy at large.”
What sets Project Unnati Coffee apart is its focus on women in Punjishil, who are now managing key roles in coffee production, food services, and tourism operations.
"After a lot of hard work and setbacks, we struggled to get fruit from our coffee plants in the last few years. But after the training, the yield has been much better, and we’re hopeful for a good income this season. Given the success, we plan to plant coffee across all the hillocks next season," said Tulabati Badanayak, a tribal farmer from Koraput.
