With the Nagaland government hoping to cover 50,000 hectares of land with coffee cultivation by 2030, efforts are underway to revive the coffee industry in the state following its discontinuation in late 1990s. The state government has secured an agreement with the Coffee Board of India to distribute and sell Nagaland coffee internationally. Currently, Nagaland coffee is exported to countries like South Africa, Bahrain, Dubai, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and SouthEast Asia, with Nagaland Coffee Private Limited serving as the sole exporter of Nagaland coffee.
In a push to this endeavor, the Coffee Roasting Machines program, funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), was launched today, 16 February, at the Directorate of Land Resources in Kohima, with G Ikuto Zhimomi, Advisor of Land Resources, gracing the event. Expressing his delight, Zhimomi highlighted the resurgence of coffee farming in Nagaland, dating back to its introduction in the 1970s. He commended the efforts to revive the industry, which faced discontinuation in the late 1990s but was reintroduced by the Department of Land Resources in 2014.
“This revival, coupled with proper information dissemination and departmental interest, has positioned Nagaland as a frontrunner in coffee production within the North Eastern region,” the advisor said.
Central to the discourse was Nagaland’s inherent potential as a leading coffee producer, buoyed by its favorable climatic conditions and the crop’s longevity, which spans centuries. Zhimomi envisioned coffee farming as a sustainable alternative to traditional jhum cultivation, drawing parallels with coffee giants like Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Ethiopia.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of the Commissioner Secretary Land Resources in supporting farmers, Zhimomi assured assistance to areca nut, coffee, and rubber farmers in securing fair prices and avoiding exploitation by intermediaries. He underscored the commitment of Chief Minister Rio towards farmers’ welfare and envisioned a promising future for them.
It may be noted that as of 2022, Arabica coffee plantations covered around 8,412.49 hectares of land, while Robusta coffee plantations covered 1,419.7 hectares. By 2030, the state government hopes to cover 50,000 hectares of land. Kohima district has the largest coverage of organic coffee plantations with 2649.69 hectares, while Zunheboto district has 1025.9 hectares.
The Coffee Board continues to play a vital role in the industry’s development by providing training to farmers, organizing exposure visits to other states, and facilitating government-supported subsidies through direct benefit transfers.
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During the ceremony, Coffee Roasting Machines were distributed to beneficiaries: Zakietsono Jamir – Dimapur; R Lichanbemo Humtsoe – Kohima; Tiakum Kichu – Mokokchung; Nsungthung V Ngullie – Kohima; Thejanuo Kets – Kohima; Boholi Chishi – Dimapur, and Kekhriengulie – Kohima.
Earlier in the event, Albert Ngullie, Director of Land Resources, welcomed attendees and highlighted the progress of coffee farming in the state. He expressed gratitude to the Coffee Board of India and NEC for their collaborative efforts in supporting Nagaland’s coffee farmers.
