Research and technology transfer may enrich Coffee Board's cup

The government has proposed to widen the ambit of the Coffee Board to include support for production, research, extension, and quality improvement, promotion of coffee and skill development of coffee growers in the country under the Coffee (Promotion and Development) Bill 2022 that seeks to replace the Coffee Act, 1942.

It also provides for the Coffee Board to issue a one-time certificate of registration for any person who takes up curing of coffee, its export or reimport.

The bill, which is likely to be introduced in the ongoing session of parliament, focuses on promotion of coffee in both exports and domestic markets, besides on e-commerce platforms.


The commerce and industry ministry had earlier this year suggested a repeal of Tea Act, 1953; Spices Board Act, 1986; Rubber Act 1947; and Coffee Act 1942.

"The provisions of existing Coffee Act are regulatory and restrictive, focusing mainly on the marketing aspects but the proposed law provides for liberal provisions for ease of doing business," said an official, adding that the extant law empowered the Coffee Board to control entire marketing of coffee produced in the country and regulate its sale in both domestic and international markets.

However, the other functions of the board such as research, transfer of technology to the coffee growers, production improvement, promotion of Indian coffees in overseas markets and domestic promotion were not given due importance.

"The bill also envisages the protection of the interests of the labour working in plantations and processing factories and coffee communities, innovative products and good quality value added coffee on a par with international levels," the official said.