Balehonnur, Chikkamagaluru | December 20–22
Nestled in the heart of India’s coffee heartland, the Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) marked a historic milestone by completing 100 years of dedicated service to coffee research and development. The three-day centenary celebration, held from December 20 to 22, brought together the country’s coffee ecosystem—scientists, growers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders—to honour the past and envision the road ahead for Indian coffee.
From its origins in 1925 as a modest experimental station to its present stature as the backbone of coffee science in India, CCRI’s journey mirrors the evolution of the Indian coffee sector itself. Over the decades, the institute has played a defining role in improving productivity, addressing climate challenges, strengthening farmer livelihoods, and supporting India’s growing presence in global coffee markets.
Three Days of Reflection, Research, and Roadmapping
The centenary event unfolded as a thoughtfully curated blend of scientific dialogue, policy discussions, exhibitions, and experiential learning. The inaugural sessions revisited CCRI’s legacy—highlighting landmark research contributions, varietal developments, and agronomic innovations that have shaped Indian coffee cultivation across regions.
As the event progressed, technical sessions shifted focus to the future. Experts deliberated on sustainable farming models, soil and water conservation, climate-resilient coffee systems, and the increasing relevance of technology in plantation management. Topics such as mechanisation, digital tools, and data-driven farming reflected how science continues to adapt to changing realities on the ground.
Equally important were conversations around ecology and coexistence, including strategies to manage human–wildlife interactions in coffee landscapes, reinforce shade-grown practices, and align coffee cultivation with broader environmental goals. These discussions reinforced coffee’s role not just as a crop, but as a contributor to biodiversity and climate balance.
From Research to Market Readiness
Beyond farm-level science, the centenary also acknowledged the expanding scope of coffee as a business and lifestyle product. Sessions on post-harvest practices, quality enhancement, and sensory evaluation bridged the gap between growers, processors, and market professionals. Coffee tasting workshops and discussions on specialty and organic coffee trends reflected the industry’s shift towards value addition and consumer-driven quality benchmarks.
The accompanying exhibition space served as a vibrant networking hub, featuring innovations in equipment, processing technologies, plantation solutions, and allied services. It offered participants a chance to exchange ideas, explore collaborations, and understand emerging opportunities across the coffee value chain—from production to branding and tourism.
A Vision Beyond the Centenary
Rather than being a retrospective celebration alone, CCRI’s centenary stood out as a forward-looking initiative. The emphasis throughout the event remained on translating research into real-world impact—ensuring that farmers, especially smallholders, remain resilient amid climate uncertainties and market fluctuations.
With domestic coffee consumption on the rise and Indian coffees gaining renewed global attention, CCRI’s continued role as a research anchor becomes even more critical. The centenary reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth—laying the foundation for the next chapter of Indian coffee.
As CCRI steps into its second century, the message was clear: science, sustainability, and collaboration will continue to shape India’s coffee story—one rooted in heritage, yet firmly focused on the future.
