G limpses of | Class 10 English Notes

READING COMPREHENSION - TEXT II (Araku Valley Coffee Cultivation)

This section features a passage about Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh, focusing on its coffee cultivation and cultural significance. Located at about 1,200 meters above sea level near the Odisha border, Araku Valley is known for its scenic beauty and the annual Araku Balloon Festival held in January. The passage describes the journey through the five northern mandals of Anantha giri, Dumbriguda, Hukumpeta, Munchingi Puttu, and Araku Valley itself. The name 'Araku' was chosen for the coffee brand because it sounded poetic.

The landscape transitions from dense forests to terraced farms and village clusters, highlighting the valley's natural and agricultural diversity. The coffee cultivation here began in 1898, introduced by British civil servant N.S. Brodie. Today, Araku Coffee is a successful brand involving over 10,000 farmers from 517 villages, who are both estate owners and entrepreneurs.

The coffee is cultivated using biodynamic farming practices that create a symbiotic ecosystem. Soil enrichment through composting and planting shade trees, including fruit trees like mango and jackfruit, contribute to the coffee's superior quality. The process from 'sapling to savouring' ensures healthy plants, sweeter coffee cherries, and enhanced aroma and flavor. This passage highlights the integration of traditional farming with modern sustainable practices and community empowerment.

📊 Diagram: No specific diagrams, but the passage references the landscape of Araku Valley with forested hills, terraced farms, and village clusters.

🧪 Activity: Reading comprehension questions on vocabulary, inference, and factual understanding of the passage.

🔗 Connection: Leads to vocabulary and grammar sections that reinforce language skills using the context of the texts.