Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia virtually launched “Mission Coffees of Nagaland” on May 18.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 18
Boosting thriving coffee industry in Nagaland, Union Minister for Communications & Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia virtually launched “Mission Coffees of Nagaland” on May 18.
This pilot project, a cluster-based Coffee Value Chain Development in Nagaland was virtually launched from New Delhi in the presence Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, Minister of State MDoNER, Sukanta Majumdar, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, Land Resources Advisor G Ikuto Zhimomi and MDoNER secretary Sanjay Jaju.
‘Mission Coffees of Nagaland’ is a partnership between the government and the private sector to transform the state’s scattered smallholder coffee landscape into a vibrant, sustainable globally competitive value chain.
This marks the beginning of a transformative journey to position Nagaland as a premium coffee origin on the national and global map, a brochure received here stated.
Coffee of Nagaland has been identified by Government of Nagaland as the state’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and it was fully endorsed and launched by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Government of India, for holistic coffee development, branding and enterprise promotion across the state.
Nagaland state targets 50,000 hectares of coffee plantations by 2047 under the vision of Viksit Nagaland aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.
The Mission addresses these gaps through a cluster based, end- to- end value chain approach.
Two Pilot Clusters (200 Ha each), Tuophema Cluster, Kohima district is for Arabica coffee species and Ghotovi Cluster, Niuland district is for Robusta coffee species.
Source informed that these clusters will serve as replicable models, extending benefits to surrounding villages through shared nurseries, processing facilities and marketing support.
Over, 1,040, 100 hectares (62.7% of the state’s geographical area) are ideally suited for Arabica and Robusta cultivation.
Nagaland coffee is prized for its distinctive high altitude terror, rich aroma and premium flavour profile.
The Mission anticipated outcomes of 5 higher farmer incomes through value addition and direct market access, creation of rural entrepreneurship opportunities (processing, roasting, cafes, tourism), year round employment for youth and women, strengthened “Coffee of Nagaland” brand in domestic and export markets and model for replication across all coffee growing districts of Nagaland.
Department of Land Resources, Government of Nagaland has been designated as implementing agency and Coffee Board of India as technical partner for this Mission.
Mentionably, government officials, village leaders, coffee farmers and entrepreneurs joined the virtual launching programme from Tuophema (Kohima) and DC Office Niuland.
In their remarks from DC Office Niuland, Khevito Chophi, coffee farmer, Kuhoxu village, Catherine Zhimomi, coffee farmer Ghotovi and Vivito Yeptho, founder & managing director, Nagaland Coffee Pvt Ltd, thanked the MDoNER for launching the project.
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen proposed vote of thanks.
