India may be famous for tea, but in the Araku region, researchers, an NGO, and indigenous farmer organizations are working together to produce high-quality coffee and restore soils through regenerative agriculture practices. Dr. Pushpajeet L Choudhari of ICRISAT and the Naandi Foundation have spearheaded efforts that have elevated Araku coffee to an international premium brand, improving the economic conditions of local farmers. By monitoring soil health and the effect of regenerative practices on yield, the team has collected and analyzed 12,000 soil and compost samples. This initiative has not only enhanced soil fertility but also protected crops from harmful pathogens. David Hogg of the Naandi Foundation emphasizes that this approach, termed 'Arakunomics,' integrates soil and crop quality with farmer equity to create sustainable agricultural systems. In 2024, their work earned a $250,000 grant from the Seeding The Future Foundation. Farmer Thamarbha Chittibabu highlights how this collaborative model has empowered farmers in Araku by providing fair prices and training in sustainable practices. This success story in Araku serves as a replicable model for climate-smart agriculture across India and beyond, showcasing the potential for sustainable farming to transform rural livelihoods and ecosystems.
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