Zeliang says innovative agro-enterprises will strengthen Nagaland’s economy
The Atoqa Tea Company Limited, based in Nikheku Village, Niuland, has launched its latest premium product – “Nagaland Gold” CTC Black Tea – under its brand “Northeast Brews.”
The new product was officially inaugurated on October 24, 2025, at the Atoqa Tea Factory and Estate premises by Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang, who also serves as the Minister for Planning and Transformation.
During his visit, Zeliang toured the factory’s manufacturing unit and commended the company’s efforts, noting that “marketing plays a crucial role in sustaining industrial ventures” and that “such innovative agro-based enterprises will inspire other local industries, ultimately strengthening Nagaland’s economy.”
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Advisor for Industries and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Kajeto Kinimi, Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports S. Keyoshu Yimchunger, MLA Beni M Lamthiu, and other officials and guests.
Commissioned in 2021, the Atoqa Tea Factory is one of the first Tea Board of India–licensed 5-lakh kilogram CTC tea production units in the region. Located within a 150-acre estate, the factory operates as a Bought Leaf Factory (BLF) supporting nearly 160 small tea growers across 11 surrounding villages, covering approximately 800 acres of tea plantations.
The newly launched “Nagaland Gold” is a single-origin, high-grown tea cultivated between 1,500 and 2,000 feet along the foothills. Its distinctive flavor profile benefits from the estate’s proximity to the Golaghat belt, a region globally recognized for producing teas with rich liquor and strong aroma. Customers will now be able to enjoy farm-to-cup freshness within 14 days, a unique advantage over most commercial blends.
K. Awomi, General Manager (Operations), announced that “Nagaland Gold” will soon be available across retail outlets in Nagaland and the Northeast. He also revealed plans to introduce tea tourism initiatives at the estate, including guided factory tours, tea tasting sessions, trekking, boating, angling, tea safari experiences, and educational visits — efforts aimed at promoting sustainable rural livelihoods and creating new economic opportunities for local communities.
Nikheku Village, home to the Atoqa Tea Factory, is also known for hosting migratory Amur Falcons between November and December, making it an emerging eco-tourism destination for visitors to Dimapur, especially during the Hornbill Festival.
Atoqa Tea Company Limited reaffirmed its commitment to quality tea production while continuing to empower local farmers and contribute to the growth of Nagaland’s agricultural economy. (With inputs from Sumi Discussion Forum)
