DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 29 (MExN): Nagaland is set to host a two-day event - Nagaland International Coffee Seminar (NICS) 2024 with focus on the future of coffee production at Hotel Acacia, Dimapur, on October 1 and 2. The seminar, themed “Beyond the Brew: Future Perspectives on Sustainable Coffee,” will bring together coffee enthusiasts, industry leaders, government officials, and international experts to discuss the evolution of the coffee industry and its role in promoting sustainability within the state. It will serve as a platform for local and international stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore the latest innovations in sustainable coffee production.
The seminar will commence with a keynote address by Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, followed by the guest of honor S. Supongmeren Jamir, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha.
Key sessions will focus on sustainable initiatives and best practices in the coffee industry, soil health for coffee cultivation, defects in green coffee, and the history, vision, and future of Nagaland coffee. Other important topics include supply chain challenges for small coffee roasters, financial support for coffee entrepreneurs, and workshops on mastering the art of manual brewing. These sessions will be led by industry and domain experts from both abroad and Nagaland.
The seminar will also feature three prominent international speakers including Pieter Vermeulen, Founder of Noble Cause, Cape Town, South Africa, and Co-Founder of Nagaland Coffee; Calvin Botes, Founder of Merkava Coffee, Somerset West, South Africa; Jaco Janse van Rensburg, Entrepreneur and Business Consultant, Somerset West, South Africa.
Local entrepreneurs and coffee experts will also play a significant role, including Vivito Yeptho, Co-Founder, Nagaland Coffee Pvt. Ltd., Dimapur; Lichan Humtsoe, Founder, Ete Coffee, Kohima; Langnyei Angh, Director, Daintyvil Enterprise LLP, and PhD Scholar in Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science; Zakietsono Jamir, Proprietor, Coffee Lady, Medziphema, Nagaland.
Jointly organized by the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), the seminar aims to strengthen Nagaland's coffee industry and provide local entrepreneurs with insights into sustainable practices. The event is expected to present a unique opportunity to learn from global coffee experts while showcasing the potential of coffee cultivation as an emerging sector in Nagaland.
Participants will also have the opportunity to attend workshops, including sessions on financial support for coffee entrepreneurs and mastering the art of manual brewing. These practical sessions are designed to equip local growers and entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive coffee market.
Sponsors for the event include Nagaland Coffee, Dough Re Me Bakes, Juro Coffee House, Naro Ki, Warehouse 103, SIDBI, and Five Loaves Bakery—highlighting the role of local businesses in promoting the state's coffee culture. Various government departments are also lending their support to this landmark event.
