On the occasion of the International Coffee Day, the Directorate of Land Resources department organized an event on the theme ‘Collaboration for a better tomorrow’ at the office conference hall, Kohima on 1 October.
Advisor, Land Resources, G Ikuto Zhimomi delivering his message emphasized on promoting Nagaland coffee across the districts by creating cafes and coffee bars offering world-class coffee at reasonable prices. He also encouraged the youth to take up coffee entrepreneurship seriously keeping in view the scope of employment and economic desire of the people.
Zhimomi urged the Land Resources Department and the Coffee Board of India to continue promoting coffee development in the state, supporting coffee farmers, and striving to elevate Nagaland-grown coffee to greater heights. He remarked that the department has been actively supporting coffee development at all levels, including area expansion, post-harvest processing, coffee bean roasting, and barista training for youth interested in the art of coffee making. He further added that, as the nodal agency for coffee development in the state, the department has made significant efforts in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India to promote coffee plantations and coffee-based entrepreneurs, generating employment opportunities.
Highlighting the development of coffee production in the context of Nagaland, the Advisor noted that coffee cultivation was initiated during the 1970s and 1990s, but progress was limited at that time. However, in 2014, the Coffee Board partnered with the Department of Land Resources in a visionary initiative to revive coffee plantations in the state. He stated that before 2014, coffee plantations in Nagaland covered an area of around 145 hectares, but this has now expanded to 10,200 hectares.
Commissioner & Secretary of Land Resources, Kevekha Kevin Zehol, in his keynote address, stated that Nagaland is fortunate because coffee can be grown throughout the state. He added that coffee thrives at altitudes of 800 to 1,500 meters, and Nagaland has the perfect soil conditions for this. Zehol also emphasized the importance of advertising and social media and urged the department to promote home-grown coffee through IPR Warrior magazine and other government publications to reach all sections of the Naga population.
Zehol further stated that the state government, as policymakers, would seek to integrate the interests of coffee farmers and growers while formulating policies. He also urged the department to learn from the farmers, who have their own package of practices, and expressed hope that the department would address the suggestions provided by the coffee farmers and entrepreneurs.
A coffee grower from Wokha, Yanthungo, shared his experience, stating that earlier there was no market for coffee, but by 2008, the Land Resources Department started promoting coffee plantations. He said farmers began cultivating coffee with the encouragement of the department, which provided free doorstep delivery of coffee seeds. Yanthungo also appealed to the department for assistance with machinery and market linkages for coffee growers in Nagaland.
Deputy Director (Extension) of the Coffee Board of India, Jorhat Jayanta Gosh, as well as coffee producers and entrepreneurs, delivered short speeches during the event.
Fifteen top producers and largest growers from 16 districts were awarded cash prizes and certificates. The event concluded with a manual brewing competition, a showcase of coffee products by entrepreneurs, and an experiential exposure to different stages of coffee production.
Advisor for Geology & Mining, W. Chingang Konyak, MLA C. Manpon Konyak, and a host of officials from various departments also attended the program.