Nagaland awarded for organic development initiatives in Asia

DIMAPUR — The state Government of Nagaland has received the ‘Distinguished Holistic Organic Developments Award 2025’ at the Organic Festa Asia, organised by IFOAM-Organics Asia in collaboration with Messe Düsseldorf, held in Shanghai, China, from September 3 to the 5th.

The award was presented in recognition of the state’s promotion of organic practices and produce. It was received on behalf of the government by Director of Industries and Commerce, P Tokugha Sema, and Additional Director of the Horticulture department, Medemshiba.

An update, received here on Thursday, stated that Nagaland has been pursuing organic status through the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) alongside state-led initiatives.

The recognition also highlighted the role of entrepreneur Lanuakum Imchen, founder of Imchen Tea Products, known for its brand ‘Cold Mountain Organics.’

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Imchen also serves as Director of Cooperation and Networking for India at IFOAM-Organics Asia, Co-Chair of the Young Organics Global Network, and Organic Youth Ambassador for IFOAM-Organics Asia. His work in food processing, marketing, training and welfare activities has been credited with strengthening the state’s profile in the international organic sector.

Under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Nagaland became a member of the Asian Local Governments for Organic Agriculture (ALGOA) in 2022 through a memorandum of understanding facilitated by Nagaland Organic Konnect (NOK), an NGO based in Dimapur. NOK, led by Dr. Akali Sema, organised the Asia Organic Youth Forum in 2019 and has continued to work with IFOAM-Organics Asia.

The initiative was also supported in its early stages by the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland under its former CEO, Alemtemshi Jamir, the update stated.

To enhance market access, the Department of Industries and Commerce and Imchen Tea Products have formed a special purpose vehicle for branding and marketing of food products. Ahead of the Organic Festa, a representative of the Industries and Commerce department attended the 3rd Organic Districts World Congress held in Shanxi Province, China, from August 25 to the 28th.

At the Shanghai event, the Nagaland India Pavilion featured participation from the Departments of Industries and Commerce and Horticulture, as well as enterprises and organisations including Cold Mountain Food Processing and Marketing Cooperative Society, YouthNet, Cold Mountain Organic Farmers Welfare Foundation, Naroki, Ayn Longkumer, Barn’s Vision Foundation, Agricool Refrigeration, Ilandlo, and Last Forest.

The state delegation of 15 members was coordinated by the Cold Mountain Organic Farmers Welfare Foundation along with IFOAM-Organics Asia, and supported through exposure and field visits funded by IFOAM-Organics Asia. Organisers also offered a 50% subsidy on stall rentals for participating entrepreneurs and departments.

Meanwhile, the government expressed gratitude to IFOAM-Organics Asia for its support and stated that it looked forward to continued collaboration in the future.