Deputy CM Zeliang unveils ‘Nagaland Gold CTC black tea’

DIMAPUR — Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang inaugurated Atoqa Tea Company Limited’s latest product ‘Nagaland Gold CTC black tea’ under the company’s brand ‘Northeast brews’ on October 24, at the company’s factory premises in Nikheku village, Niuland district.

In a press release, the tea company stated that the deputy CM also visited the factory's manufacturing unit, emphasising the importance of marketing in sustaining industrial units.

Zeliang encouraged the team, noting that such innovative ventures would inspire other local agro-based manufacturing units and bolster the state’s economy.

The event was held In the presence of Advisor of Industry and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu; Advisor of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Kazheto Kinimi; Advisor of Youth Resource & Sports, S Keoshu Yimchunger;, Beni M Lamthiu, MLA, and a host of other dignitaries .

Atoqa Tea Factory, licensed by the Tea Board of India, was commissioned in 2021 as the region's first 5 lakh kg CTC tea factory, situated within its 150-acre tea estate.

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Operating as a bought leaf factory (BLF), it supports around 160 small tea farmers across approximately 800 acres of plantations in 11 surrounding villages, the company informed.

This single-origin, packed tea is distinguished by its high-grown quality, cultivated at 1,500-2,000 ft elevation along the foothills. The unique taste is further enhanced by the region's humid climate and fertile soil, similar to the renowned Golaghat belt known for its strong and rich tea liquor.

K Awomi, General Manager (Ops.), informed that the product would soon be put on retail shelves in the state and other North-east states through its marketing division.

He further stated that in the future, the company plans to promote destination events and tea tourism in the tea estate area, offering activities such as guided factory tours, tea tasting, trekking, boating, angling, tea safari tours, and educational visits by students.

This would promote sustainable rural livelihood through tourism in the area and improve the local economy with various stakeholders. He added that the area would become a must-visit destination in Dimapur for tourists, especially during the Hornbill Festival, and that during November and December, Nikheku village would host the Amur falcons as a roosting area, making the destination even more interesting for tourists.