In the heart of India’s bustling coffee ecosystem stands Dr. K.G. Jagadeesha, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer whose vision and leadership as the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the Coffee Board of India are redefining the nation’s coffee narrative. As of March 28, 2025, Jagadeesha’s innovative strategies and unwavering commitment to empowering growers, enhancing quality, and elevating Indian coffee on the global stage have sparked a quiet revolution in the industry. From introducing groundbreaking certifications to fostering women’s entrepreneurship, his tenure is a testament to how bureaucratic acumen can blend with agricultural passion to brew something extraordinary.
A Leader Rooted in Purpose
Dr. K.G. Jagadeesha’s journey to the helm of the Coffee Board is a story of dedication and adaptability. As an IAS officer, he brings a wealth of administrative expertise to an industry that thrives at the intersection of tradition and modernity. Coffee in India is more than just a beverage—it’s a cultural legacy, an economic lifeline for millions, and a symbol of resilience in regions like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Jagadeesha, with his sharp intellect and hands-on approach, has embraced this complexity, steering the Coffee Board toward ambitious goals that promise to reshape the sector.
Based in Bengaluru, the coffee capital of India, Jagadeesha oversees an organization tasked with supporting growers, promoting domestic consumption, and boosting exports. His leadership comes at a pivotal moment: global coffee prices are soaring, climate challenges loom large, and India’s coffee industry is poised for transformation. Yet, under his guidance, the Coffee Board is not just reacting to these shifts—it’s proactively charting a course for sustainable growth.
A Banner Day for Indian Coffee: GI-Tagged Drip Bags
One of Jagadeesha’s most celebrated initiatives made headlines on March 28, 2025, when the Coffee Board launched premium GI-tagged single-serve coffee drip bags. Announced at a media conference in Bengaluru, this innovation is a game-changer for coffee lovers and producers alike. Designed for simplicity, these drip bags require only hot water—no fancy equipment—making premium Indian coffee accessible to a wider audience. “This is about convenience without compromising quality,” Jagadeesha emphasized, highlighting how the product aligns with his mission to boost domestic consumption of pure, GI-tagged coffee.
The Geographical Indication (GI) tag ensures that each bag carries the unique flavor profile of India’s renowned coffee regions, such as Coorg, Chikmagalur, or Wayanad. By promoting these distinct identities, Jagadeesha is not only preserving heritage but also creating a marketable edge in a competitive global landscape. “Private players and entrepreneurs can leverage this to promote India’s pure coffees,” he noted, signaling an open invitation to the industry to join the movement.
Forecasting a Bountiful Future
On the same day, Jagadeesha shared an optimistic outlook for India’s coffee production. Speaking to The Hindu, he predicted that the 2025-26 crop year could outshine the past two seasons, thanks to favorable weather patterns. “If plantations get six to seven months without a dry spell, next year’s yield will be substantially higher,” he said, underscoring nature’s critical role in coffee farming. With the current crop year (ending March 2025) projected at 3.52 lakh metric tonnes, this forecast offers hope to growers weathering erratic climates.
Yet, Jagadeesha’s keenly aware of global trends, citing the International Coffee Organisation’s data that prices will likely remain high for another year due to climatic disruptions in major coffee-producing nations. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for India. To capitalize on it, he’s pushing for value addition—a shift from exporting 70% of Indian coffee as green beans to creating premium, processed products that fetch higher returns. “We’ve been losing out on premiums,” he admitted candidly, but his strategies signal a decisive pivot toward capturing that value.
Empowering Women in Coffee
Perhaps the most inspiring chapter of Jagadeesha’s tenure is his commitment to social impact. In January 2025, the Coffee Board partnered with the National Livelihood Mission (NLM) in Karnataka to train 100,000 women from self-help groups (SHGs) as coffee entrepreneurs. This ambitious project, backed by a ₹25 crore state budget allocation, aims to teach brewing techniques and rural café management, turning women into micro-entrepreneurs. “This is a new window of opportunity for women’s empowerment,” Jagadeesha said at the MoU signing with NLM Mission Director P.I. Sreevidya.
The initiative unfolds in two phases: first, training 400 master trainers at the Coffee Board’s Bengaluru headquarters, who will then upskill others at the taluk and hobli levels. By fostering gender equality and economic independence, Jagadeesha is planting seeds for a more inclusive coffee economy. “It’s about reducing poverty and creating opportunities for marginalized women,” he added, reflecting a deep-seated belief in coffee’s potential as a tool for social change.
Redefining Standards with India’s Own Certification
Jagadeesha’s forward-thinking approach shines through in another groundbreaking move: the development of India’s own coffee certification process. Launched in early 2025, this initiative seeks to break free from costly international standards that burden small growers. “The cost of certification for a five-acre estate can be ₹3-4 lakh under global norms,” he told The New Indian Express. “Ours will be zero-cost.”
Currently in its implementation phase, with modules set to be finalized within months, this certification will highlight the unique qualities of Indian coffee—its terroir, its cultivation methods, its story. “We want Indian coffee to have its own identity,” Jagadeesha explained, a vision that could position India as a distinct player in a market dominated by generic standards. For growers, this is a lifeline; for consumers, it’s a promise of authenticity.
Cultivating the Next Generation
Recognizing the need for skilled talent, Jagadeesha has also championed educational initiatives. The Coffee Board plans to introduce a two-year diploma program to engage younger generations in coffee cultivation and plantation management. “We face a shortage of trained supervisors and managers,” he acknowledged during a speech in Madikeri. By equipping youth with expertise, he’s ensuring the industry’s longevity—a legacy that blends tradition with innovation.
A Roadmap to 2034
At the heart of Jagadeesha’s leadership is a 10-year roadmap to double India’s coffee production and exports by 2034. Unveiled in late 2024, this plan includes forming 100 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), with 60 in Karnataka alone, and promoting high-value coffee in international markets. Despite weather fluctuations, the Commerce Ministry projects a slight uptick in output for 2024-25—a foundation Jagadeesha is building upon with meticulous care.
A Brewmaster of Change
Dr. K.G. Jagadeesha is more than an IAS officer—he’s a catalyst for transformation. His tenure at the Coffee Board of India is a masterclass in blending administrative rigor with a deep understanding of agriculture’s soul. From drip bags to women’s empowerment, from certifications to education, his initiatives weave a tapestry of progress that honors India’s coffee heritage while propelling it into the future. As global eyes turn to India’s coffee fields, Jagadeesha’s leadership ensures they’ll see not just a crop, but a thriving, equitable, and innovative industry.