Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Kohima: Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio have jointly inaugurated a comprehensive cluster-based coffee value chain project. This initiative, titled “Coffees of Nagaland,” aims to establish an end-to-end ecosystem, spanning from cultivation and processing to branding and marketing, to position the state as a premium producer in the global market.
With a total investment of Rs 49.48 crore, the project includes the creation of five hi-tech nurseries and the expansion of plantation areas across 400 hectares. To ensure top-tier quality, the initiative will feature dedicated washing stations, roastery-cum-cafés, and a specialized quality control laboratory. The infrastructure will be bolstered by modern advancements, including drip irrigation systems and blockchain-based traceability, allowing consumers to track coffee from farm to cup via QR codes.
The mission will initially focus on two pilot clusters: Touphema in the Kohima district for Arabica production and Ghotovi in the Niuland district for Robusta coffee. These centers are designed to serve as models for future state-wide expansion. Through collaboration with the Coffee Board of India, the program offers robust capacity-building, providing local farmers and entrepreneurs with expert training in plantation management, post-harvest techniques, and barista skills.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio noted that the state’s coffee production has surged significantly, growing from 21 metric tonnes in 2021-22 to nearly 73 metric tonnes in 2024-25. The long-term objective is to bring 50,000 hectares under cultivation by 2047, aligning with the “Viksit Nagaland” and “Viksit Bharat” visions. Beyond production, the state plans to promote “Coffees of Nagaland – Taste of Eminence” globally while integrating coffee-based tourism to create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth.
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