The Department of Land Resources, in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India and AIC-CCRI-CED, organised Coffee Canvas under the theme “A Journey from Farm to Global Market” at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima on June 9, 2025.
MLA and Advisor for Land Resources, G. Ikuto Zhimomi, in his address, underscored the tremendous potential and growing global recognition of Nagaland’s coffee industry. Highlighting the beverage’s global relevance, Zhimomi noted, “Coffee is the second most consumed drink after water, with over 2.25 billion cups consumed daily worldwide.”
He emphasized Nagaland’s role in the Northeast’s 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. Zhimomi commended the Department of Land Resources for leading a sustainable transformation in coffee cultivation, promoting eco-friendly farming methods to retain the unique flavour of Nagaland coffee while protecting the environment.
He pointed out that about 10.4 lakh hectares, or 62.7% of Nagaland’s area, is suitable for coffee, but only around 11,186 hectares have been utilized. He also highlighted the international accolades Nagaland coffee has earned, stating, “At the Aurora International Taste Challenge (AITC) in South Africa, Nagaland Coffee won a silver in 2021 and a gold in 2023.”
“Nagaland coffee is evolving from a commodity into a specialty… a testament to the commitment of our farmers and stakeholders,” Zhimomi added. The government has formally recognized coffee as the state’s Unique Selling Point (USP). He outlined economic prospects tied to coffee such as eco-tourism and café culture, predicting employment from plantations to baristas and guides.
Director of Land Resources and CEO, SLNA, Albert Ngullie, shared that since 2014, the department, in partnership with the Coffee Board, has worked to revive and expand plantations. “Nagaland possesses highly favourable agro-climatic conditions for the healthy growth of both Arabica and Robusta varieties,” he said, with only 1.08% of the potential currently under cultivation. Aiming to reach 50,000 hectares by 2047, he said coffee is being promoted on the principles of Ecology, Employment, and Economy.
“Coffee is being promoted as an agro-forestry crop… creating opportunities across the value chain from plantation and processing to branding and retail,” Ngullie stated. On the economic front, he stressed coffee’s potential for foreign exchange, noting that quality-focused production can command premium prices. “The total area developed, only 8% (around 863 hectares) is currently in the harvesting stage,” but within two years, he hopes 50% will mature. The department has also helped set up 16 cafés, 12 washing stations, and 7 roasteries.
Ngullie highlighted Nagaland coffee’s unique taste shaped by microclimates and traditional practices. “The region’s cool temperatures, high altitude, and consistent rainfall contribute to the slow and rich maturation of coffee cherries,” he explained. Advanced processing and support for entrepreneurs are also underway.
The event featured a welcome address by Commissioner & Secretary Dr. G. Hukugha Sema and a note by Partha Pratim Choudary. Technical sessions covered topics from exports and branding to live brewing demonstrations.