The relentless push by the Nagaland government to establish a distinct brand identity for the state in the global coffee market is beginning to yield results.
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The relentless push by the Nagaland government to establish a distinct brand identity for the state in the global coffee market is beginning to yield results, as evidenced by its steady growth over the years. According to a report by the Department of Land Resources, the nodal agency for coffee development in the state that promotes the sector through various schemes and projects, Nagaland is emerging as a leading coffee-producing state in the Northeast. The state produced 72.77 metric tonnes (MT) of coffee beans during 2024–25, compared to 12.16 MT in 2020–21. Kohima led the output with 29.16 MT, followed by Tuensang (8.86 MT) and Zunheboto (6.38 MT). Currently, a total of 11,647.69 hectares are under coffee plantation, covering 1.11% of the total suitable area in the state, according to the report. This indicates the potential for expanding the sector, thanks to favourable natural conditions such as moderate temperatures, fertile soil, abundant rainfall, and high altitudes that are ideal for cultivating high-quality coffee. However, the big question is, can the state government achieve its vision of making Nagaland a coffee destination by increasing the area of plantation to 50,000 hectares by 2047 under the Viksit Nagaland vision? The answer lies with the people. While the government can provide support through policies, training, and subsidies, it is ultimately the responsibility of the people to engage in actual cultivation to build a thriving coffee economy.
The launch of Mission Coffee of Nagaland and the pilot project 'Cluster-based Coffee Value Chain Development in Nagaland' by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), with a total investment of INR 49.48 crore, marks another significant step towards establishing coffee not only as the state's unique selling point (USP) but also as a driving force for economic growth and a source of sustainable livelihood for its citizens. As part of the project, high-tech nurseries will be established, and modern post-harvest infrastructure, including washing stations and roasteries, will be installed for value addition. The initiative will also develop an end-to-end coffee value chain in the state, allowing coffee growers to deal with a single vendor and present their produce as a single-origin brand in national and international markets. If implemented effectively, this initiative will address many challenges that deter farmers from growing coffee. The brand "Nagaland Coffee" is slowly gaining popularity, thanks to the state government's efforts to partner with foreign firms and positive feedback from coffee lovers worldwide. To establish coffee as its USP and transform it into a stable source of income for farmers, commercial-scale plantation is essential. However, this should be pursued without affecting primary forest by adopting sustainable farming practices, such as promoting shade-grown coffee and expanding cultivation on degraded lands. Most importantly, the "Nagaland Coffee" as a premium brand should be protected by ensuring quality. The state can cash in on the increasing demand for organic, chemical-free, and exotic coffee, which the state is known for so far.