Kohima, Jun 9: The Department of Land Resources, in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India and AIC-CCRI-CED, organized the ‘Coffee Canvas: A Journey from Farm to Global Market’ event at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima, highlighting the growing prominence of Nagaland’s coffee sector in both domestic and international markets.

Speaking at the event, MLA and Advisor for Land Resources, G. Ikuto Zhimomi, underlined the global demand for coffee, which is the second most consumed beverage worldwide after water, with over 2.25 billion cups consumed daily. He said Nagaland, along with Assam, Manipur, and Meghalaya, is playing an increasingly important role in India’s Northeast coffee landscape.

Zhimomi noted that about 62.7% of Nagaland’s total geographical area approximately 10.4 lakh hectares is suitable for coffee cultivation. However, only 11,186.78 hectares (1.08%) has been utilized so far. He also highlighted Nagaland coffee’s international recognition, including a silver award in 2021 and a gold in 2023 at the Aurora International Taste Challenge in South Africa.

He stated that coffee has been officially adopted as Nagaland’s Unique Selling Point (USP), with potential to boost economic growth through plantations, processing, eco-tourism, and café culture, creating employment opportunities across the value chain.

Director of Land Resources and CEO, SLNA, Albert Ngullie, said the state is promoting coffee under the principles of ecology, employment, and economy. He said Nagaland has favourable conditions for Arabica and Robusta varieties and reiterated the department’s goal of expanding cultivation to 50,000 hectares by 2047.

Ngullie revealed that only 863 hectares (8%) of the cultivated area is currently under harvesting, producing 195.40 metric tonnes of parchment and cherry coffee. However, at least 50% of plantations are expected to reach the harvesting stage within two years. He also mentioned the establishment of 16 coffee cafés, 12 washing stations, and 7 roasteries, along with training programs and exposure trips to promote entrepreneurship.

He emphasized that the flavour of Nagaland coffee is shaped by its unique microclimates, biodiversity, and elevation, and said that investments are being made in modern processing technology to maintain quality. The department is also encouraging youth-led start-ups and businesses in plantation management, roasting, branding, and tourism.

The inaugural session featured a welcome address by Dr. G. Hukugha Sema, Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Land Resources, and a briefing on the event by Partha Pratim Choudary, Joint Director (Extn.), Coffee Board, North Eastern Region. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Additional Director Hekato N.

Technical sessions included presentations on coffee incubation, export opportunities, digital packaging, brand management, and live coffee brewing demonstrations by Eté Coffee’s Coffee Quality Division.