Robusta coffee was once a popular choice throughout Thailand. However, its production saw a decline as the growth of rubber plantations took precedence economically. Songkhla province, along with its agricultural office, recognized the importance of this local coffee strain and took significant steps to rejuvenate its cultivation. The goal was to preserve the area’s unique identity and boost the local economy.
A major shift occurred in 2016 when the former governor of Songkhla, Songphon Sawattham, began endorsing coffee cultivation in Ban Not subdistrict. This marked a new chapter for the Robusta coffee industry in the area. By 2019, a community enterprise focusing on coffee processing was set up in Saba Yoi, forming a network involving the entire district. The initiative primarily supports local farmers and community members in the production and marketing of their coffee.
A key figure in this resurgence is “Grandma Chim,” who owns a coffee shop in Saba Yoi. She embodies the traditional approach to coffee production, overseeing every aspect from planting to serving the final cup. The elder later expanded her business by producing genuine honey from her own garden.
The resurgence of Robusta coffee farming in Songkhla signifies a rejuvenation of the area’s cultural legacy, providing a lasting economic benefit for residents and preserving the unique flavor profile of the region’s coffee. (NNT)
