- DIMAPUR — The Department of Land Resources, in
collaboration with the Coffee Board of India and the Atal Incubation
Centre-Central Coffee Research Institute-Centre for Entrepreneurship
Development (AIC-CCRI-CED), organised the Coffee Canvas on the theme “A journey
from farm to global market” at the Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima, on Monday.
- MLA and Advisor for Land Resources, G Ikuto Zhimomi,
speaking on the occasion, underscored the tremendous potential and growing
global recognition of Nagaland’s coffee industry, according to a DIPR report.
G Ikuto Zhimomi addressing the Coffee Canvas programme held
at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima, on Monday.
- Highlighting the beverage’s global relevance, Zhimomi noted
that coffee is the second most consumed drink after water, with over 2.25
billion cups consumed daily worldwide.
- He emphasised Nagaland’s growing role in India’s northeast
coffee landscape, alongside Assam, Manipur, and Meghalaya. “Nagaland’s coffee
is steadily gaining popularity, with local communities embracing the culture
and tradition of coffee,” he said.
- He highlighted the Department of Land Resources’ pivotal
role in leading a sustainable transformation in coffee cultivation across the
state. As the nodal agency for coffee development, the department is promoting
eco-friendly farming and processing methods to ensure Nagaland coffee retains
its unique flavour profile while preserving the environment.
- Zhimomi said Nagaland has immense potential for coffee
cultivation, revealing that approximately 10.4 lakh hectares, which is 62.7% of
the state’s total geographical area, are suitable for coffee. However, only
11,186.78 hectares, about 1.08%, have been utilised so far.
Also read: Nagaland bets on coffee as its unique selling point
- He also spoke of the international accolades earned by
Nagaland coffee, which has drawn praise for its distinct taste, noting that at
the Aurora International Taste Challenge (AITC) in South Africa, Nagaland
coffee won a silver in 2021 and a gold in 2023 for its naturally processed
coffee from the Nagaland Washing Station.
- He added that Nagaland coffee is evolving from a commodity
into a speciality, setting a benchmark for emerging coffee-producing regions,
and the global recognition is a testament to the commitment of our farmers and
stakeholders. He also mentioned that the government of Nagaland has formally
recognised coffee as a key identity product and has adopted it as the state’s
unique selling point (USP), ensuring authenticity and market value for local
produce.
- The advisor outlined the broader economic benefits of coffee
cultivation, citing opportunities in plantations, processing, eco-tourism, and
the rise of coffee-themed cafés. He said the industry is set to create jobs
across the value chain, from baristas to tour guides, with sustainable economic
development, strategic planning, innovation, and quality commitment shaping
Nagaland’s future in the global coffee market.
- Zhimomi described the ‘Coffee Canvas’ event as a platform
for farmers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to explore the latest trends in
coffee processing, branding, and marketing. He encouraged entrepreneurs to
leverage these opportunities and build globally recognised coffee brands that
empower local communities and boost the state’s revenue.
- Director of Land Resources and CEO, SLNA, Albert Ngullie,
stated that in 2014, the department, in collaboration with the Coffee Board of
India, began efforts to revive existing plantations and expand area coverage
under coffee cultivation, considering the immense potential of the crop in the
state.
- He said, Nagaland possesses highly favourable agro-climatic
conditions for the healthy growth of both Arabica and Robusta varieties and a
potential coffee-growing area of around 10,40,100 hectares, which accounts for
about 62.7% of Nagaland’s total geographical area of 16,57,900 hectares With
only 11,187 hectares currently under cultivation.
- He mentioned that this is just 1.08% of the total potential.
The department has set a long-term target of expanding to 50,000 hectares by
2047, in line with India’s 100 years of independence, he added.
- Ngullie stated that the department promotes coffee through
three core principles: ecology, employment, and economy. Coffee is being
promoted as an agro-forestry crop, which involves minimal undergrowth clearing
and discourages slash-and-burn practices, he explained.
- In terms of employment, he said that the coffee sector is
creating opportunities across the value chain, from plantation and processing
to branding and retail, offering meaningful livelihood options for the youth of
Nagaland.
- Speaking on the economic front, Ngullie noted that coffee is
a high-value plantation crop with significant potential for foreign exchange.
Promoting quality over quantity, he emphasised, will help Nagaland coffee
command premium prices in both domestic and international markets.
- Ngullie said, of the total area developed, only 8% (around
863 hectares) is currently in the harvesting stage, with a cumulative
production of 195.40 metric tonnes of parchment and cherry coffee.
- However, he expressed optimism that within the next two
years, at least 50% of the plantations will reach the harvest stage, bringing a
substantial increase in production. He also mentioned that the department has
helped establish 16 coffee cafes, 12 washing stations, and seven roasteries,
while also organising regular training sessions and exposure trips both within
and outside India.
- Highlighting the uniqueness of Nagaland’s coffee, Ngullie
remarked that its flavour is influenced by the microclimates, biodiversity, and
elevation of the region.
- To maintain quality, he said the department is investing in
advanced processing infrastructure and machinery, aimed at preserving the
unique characteristics of Nagaland coffee from farm to cup.
- He emphasised that the department is committed to supporting
start-ups and entrepreneurs by providing modern technologies and processing
units that align with global standards and also encouraged educated youths to
explore entrepreneurship in coffee-related businesses such as plantation
management, roasting, marketing, experiential tourism, and retail.
