Dimapur, May 18 (EMN): The secretary of Land Resources department Y Kikheto Sema said the department vision to develop 50,000 hectares of coffee cultivation by 2030.
The secretary said this during a visit to coffee farm at Sendenyu village under Tseminyu sub-division on May 17. An update from the department informed.
The department officers interacted with the coffee farmers and Kebentsin Club, which is also cultivating coffee in the village.
It was learnt that coffee cultivation in the village has covered 50 hectares of which 25-26 hectares was cultivated by Kebentsin Club.
The secretary said coffee cultivation in one hectare could give employment to two persons – one direct and another indirect employment.
“If we cover 25,000 hectares, we can give employment to 50,000 persons and the employment will be sustainable since coffee can be harvested for 40-50 years,” he added.
Kikheto also informed that the department targets to put the state on the coffee map of India and steadily on the world map.
At the site, the secretary said that the present generation was mostly not in a position to practice the same type of traditional farming as practised by the forefathers. He encouraged the youngsters to adopt modern farming which comes with various technical and financial assistances.
He appreciated the staff for their tireless efforts in creating awareness and practically teaching the farmers on cultivation of various crops. He also lauded the Kebentsin Club for showing a good example to the villagers.
Recalling about a black pepper buyer from Assam who was willing to pay INR 1000 per kg from Nagaland, Kikheto said the normal rate was INR 800 per kg yet the buyer wanted to pay extra owing to the good quality produce from Nagaland.
The director of the department, Hoto Yeptho said there was no need for coffee farmers to worry about the market since it has now been channelized.
He informed that the department has been able to revive some of the abandoned coffee plants during 80s and with new cultivation. The state was able to send out 7 metric tonnes abroad last year, he informed.
