Kilo Ashwini said- New goals have been set by winning the National Award

Visakhapatnam: Kilo Ashwini, a tribal woman from Kappada in Pedabayilu mandal of ASR district, says receiving the ‘Flavor of India-The Fine Cup Award 2023’ is the most memorable moment for her.

Carrying a basket on her shoulders, she heads to the coffee grounds spread over 1.5 acres with her husband Kilo Gassanna to produce about 200 kg of Arabica coffee. “It takes a lot of expertise to produce simple coffee beans, from planting to brewing. Each stage of the process requires a certain skill. Today, we feel proud that village coffee farmers seek our suggestions before moving forward with plantation and incorporating harvesting techniques,” says Gaasanna proudly.

Presented by the International Coffee Organization in collaboration with the Indian Coffee Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, at the World Coffee Conference (WCC) held in Bengaluru last month, they won the National Award in Best Washed Arabica for the crop year 2022. -23 category. This is the first time that coffee grown by Ashwini has won an award at the WCC.

Belonging to the Kodhu tribe, she could not continue her educational years beyond Class V due to various reasons. But his knowledge of coffee plantations and the steps involved in turning ripe cherries into beans is vast. When he was asked how he felt after receiving the National Award? “I got it when I least expected it. But being recognized for your hard work has its own merits. This motivates us to do even better and set new goals,” admits Ashwini.