August 4, 2025

Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh is known for its prestigious coffee, but a looming deadline could threaten its exports to Europe. The new European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) comes into effect at the end of this year, necessitating strict traceability for agricultural goods, including coffee. This regulation could cause significant disruption for tribal growers in the region. European importers are already insisting on EUDR-compliant shipments and have begun pressing Indian exporters for assurances of compliance. Indian exporters sourcing Araku coffee have voiced concerns, with one stating, “The clock is ticking.” Araku coffee is renowned for its premium Arabica variety, cultivated by approximately 150,000 farmers, typically on one to two acres each. However, many of these growers lack smartphones and knowledge of the new regulations, complicating efforts to geotag their farms. Geotagging is essential for compliance, as it provides the necessary traceability mandated by the EUDR. HR Muralidhara from the Coffee Board indicates that efforts to map coffee farms through the India Coffee app have begun, but there are delays due to a shortage of field staff in the region. In contrast, larger coffee estates in Karnataka's Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru have undertaken polygon mapping, which is more detailed and suitable for larger plots. One company, Biota Coorg, has already completed this mapping and has fulfilled EUDR standards for some shipments. While EUDR penalties are directed at European importers, any hint of non-compliance can deter buyers from purchasing from Indian exporters. European buyers currently accept shipments as long as they believe the stock will deplete before the regulation takes effect. However, compliance pressures are expected to increase as the deadline approaches. In the local village of Chumpi, coffee farmer Khogesh Rao explains that they sell their harvested coffee directly to local buyers, often without engaging in any geolocation exercises. Furthermore, Kalpana Kumari from the Girijan Cooperative Corporation emphasizes the importance of connecting farmers directly with companies to minimize middlemen. The urgency of complying with the EUDR is palpable. As multinational companies increasingly source Araku coffee, the need for effective geomapping and compliance cannot be overstated. If these regulations are not met, the livelihoods of countless tribal farmers could be jeopardized, alongside the pride of producing one of India’s finest coffees.

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Tags: Araku valley, Coffee exports, Eudr, India, Tribal farmers,