Kohima: Nagaland officials gathered at the Directorate of Land Resources in Kohima on October 1 to mark International Coffee Day 2026. The event focused on the state’s ambitious Coffees of Nagaland mission. This initiative aims to establish a specialty coffee brand recognized across global markets. The Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region launched the mission in New Delhi on May 19, flanked by the chief minister and deputy chief minister.
Land Resources Advisor G Ikuto Zhimomi hosted the proceedings under the theme Coffee is Part of the Solution. He identified coffee as a vital Unique Selling Proposition for the state. The program features two pilot projects targeting specific coffee varieties. Farmers in the Tuophema cluster of Kohima district are focusing on Arabica. Meanwhile, the Ghotovi cluster in Niuland district handles Robusta production. Officials believe these efforts will drive sustainable rural growth.
Advisor for Labour, Employment and Skill Development Moatoshi Longkumer emphasized the broader impact of the crop. He described coffee as an "economic ecosystem" rather than merely a plantation crop, stressing quality, value addition and farmer livelihoods. Longkumer launched a new documentary detailing the farm to cup journey during the ceremony.
The state has worked to refine its coffee strategy for decades. The Coffee Board of India and the Nagaland Plantation Crops Development Corporation introduced coffee as a cash crop in 1981. Local communities took over these plantations in 1991. The Land Resources Department spearheaded a massive revival starting in 2014-15. By 2026, the government officially adopted coffee as its primary state USP. Director of Land Resources Albert Ngullie stated that current priorities include scaling cultivation and finishing branding efforts.
During the event, Dr. Sentitula released new brochures. Advisor G Ikuto Zhimomi debuted a book titled Coffee Cultivation, written by Dr. Mary N. Odyuo and Khrielanuo Khezhie. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Advisor Pangjung Jamir concluded the session by flagging off a series of coffee-themed events.
Updated at 2nd October 2026 at 1:47am
Moatoshi Longkumer noted the department's history dates back to 1993, highlighting early work in afforestation, conservation, and the introduction of rubber cultivation alongside the Rubber Board of India. Albert Ngullie serves as the CEO of the State Level Nodal Agency. Hekato N, who holds the dual titles of Additional Director and Project Director for the Coffees of Nagaland USP project, managed the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Zhimomi emphasized that the state's youth must anchor these efforts, urging stakeholders to ensure every cup reflects the specific story of Nagaland's soil, farmers, and environment. He pointed out that the sector acts as a bridge between agriculture, trade, and local culture.
Updated at 2nd October 2026 at 1:49pm
Nagaland also marked the International Day of Older Persons on October 1 under the theme The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives. At a state level event in Kohima, Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen pushed for better social security and healthcare as the elderly population grows. Imchen cited the India Ageing Report 2023, which projects the national elderly population will hit 347 million by 2050. He noted that the government provides assistive devices under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana and is training geriatric caregivers alongside the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research in Dimapur. He also warned the public to cooperate with audits to clear out fake pension beneficiaries.
District celebrations brought local leaders and senior citizens together for medical camps and award ceremonies. In Niuland, Deputy Commissioner T.L. Kiusumong Tikhir reported a survey showing low uptake of government benefits, with only 20 percent of attendees holding pension support and 10 percent covered by health insurance. Other districts including Tuensang, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Longleng, and Kiphire hosted health screenings and distributed awards to citizens recognized for their long-term service to their communities.
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