The Coffee Board of India and the National Livelihood Mission-Karnataka have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to empower about one lakh women members of the NLM self help groups across the State on coffee brewing techniques and rural cafe management.
The MoU of this project was signed by KG Jagadeesha, CEO & Secretary, Coffee Board, and PI Sreevidya, Mission Director of National Livelihood Mission on January 17.
This project marks a revolutionary step in creating a domino effect in the field of women entrepreneurship, the Board said. The Board, in collaboration with subject matter experts and in-house specialists, will work along with the Atal Incubation Center of Coffee Board, the implementing and monitoring partner, to ensure impactful outcomes. This milestone project is the first step in our long-term plan to promote coffee across the State, said Jagadeesha.
Phased approach
The project is being implemented in two phases. Initially, 400 women selected by NLM will undergo training as master trainers at the Coffee Board’s headquarters in Bangalore. In the second phase, these master trainers will upskill other women.
The NLM is engaging the consulting expertise of the Coffee Board to facilitate the programme and oversee the initial batches of field-level training sessions.
“Women being trained on other entrepreneurship skills under NLM imparting livelihood support, this coffee micro entrepreneurial project will provide a new window of opportunities to women empowerment,” said PI Sreevidya.
The Atal Incubation Centre serving as the implementing partner, has committed to delivering the project through hands-on training programmes and café management workshops. The initiative aims to establish 2,500 coffee kiosks and train one lakh women from self-help groups (SHGs) to become successful coffee entrepreneurs.
The Karnataka government has allocated ₹25 crore in the State Budget 2024-25 to train 1 lakh women from NLM SHGs as coffee entrepreneurs. This initiative aims at empowering women-led enterprises, enhancing skills, productivity, and market competitiveness to drive economic growth and sustainability. By supporting potential and existing entrepreneurs, it promotes gender equality, reduces poverty, and fosters opportunities for marginalised women, the statement said.
