India, Oct. 1 -- As the world celebrates International Coffee Day today, the Araku Valley in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh is fast becoming a major destination for coffee enthusiasts-a surge further propelled by the recent recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Once a region impacted by Naxalite insurgency, the valley has turned to coffee cultivation to empower local tribal communities, who have been growing the cash crop in the region since 1863. Today, coffee plantations span 1.07 lakh hectares across Andhra Pradesh, supporting roughly 2.45 lakh beneficiaries, predominantly from indigenous tribes.

During the 111th episode of Mann Ki Baat recently, PM Modi praised Araku Arabica coffee for its rich flavour and aroma, highl...