KOHIMA, June 9: The Department of Land Resources, in partnership with The Coffee Board of India and AIC-CCRI-CED, hosted the Coffee Canvas event at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima on June 9, focusing on the theme “A Journey from Farm to Global Market.”
During the event, MLA and Land Resources Advisor G. Ikuto Zhimomi emphasized Nagaland’s rising prominence in the global coffee industry. He pointed out that coffee is the world’s second most popular beverage, with over 2.25 billion cups consumed daily, and highlighted the state’s growing influence alongside Assam, Manipur, and Meghalaya in Northeast India’s coffee sector.
Zhimomi praised the Department of Land Resources for spearheading sustainable coffee farming initiatives aimed at preserving the distinct flavour of Nagaland coffee while protecting the environment. He revealed that while Nagaland has about 10.4 lakh hectares suitable for coffee cultivation (62.7% of its total area), only around 11,187 hectares are currently utilized.
The advisor also shared Nagaland coffee’s international achievements, including winning silver in 2021 and gold in 2023 at the Aurora International Taste Challenge in South Africa for its naturally processed coffee. He stated that Nagaland coffee is transitioning from a commodity to a specialty product, recognized globally for its quality. The government has declared coffee a signature product and unique selling point to safeguard its authenticity and market value.
Highlighting economic prospects, Zhimomi noted opportunities in plantations, processing, eco-tourism, and coffee-themed cafes, which are expected to generate jobs from baristas to tour guides. He encouraged innovation and quality-driven growth to solidify Nagaland’s standing in the international coffee market.
The event served as a platform for farmers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to learn about the latest trends in coffee processing, branding, and marketing. Zhimomi urged entrepreneurs to harness these opportunities to create globally competitive coffee brands that empower local communities and boost state revenue.
Albert Ngullie, Director of Land Resources and CEO of SLNA, discussed the department’s efforts since 2014 to revive and expand coffee plantations in Nagaland. He highlighted the state’s ideal agro-climatic conditions for both Arabica and Robusta varieties and outlined plans to increase cultivation to 50,000 hectares by 2047.
Ngullie detailed the department’s focus on ecology, employment, and economy, promoting coffee as an agro-forestry crop that preserves the environment while generating livelihoods. He emphasized coffee’s high economic value and potential for foreign exchange earnings, stressing the importance of quality to secure premium prices.
Currently, about 8% of coffee plantations (863 hectares) are in production, yielding nearly 195 metric tonnes. Ngullie expects half the plantations to reach maturity in two years, significantly boosting output. The department has also facilitated the opening of 16 coffee cafés, 12 washing stations, and 7 roasteries, along with regular training and exposure visits.
Nagaland coffee’s distinct flavor is attributed to the region’s unique climate, biodiversity, altitude, and traditional farming methods. To preserve quality, the department invests in advanced processing technologies and supports startups and entrepreneurs, encouraging youth participation in various coffee-related business areas.
The program began with a welcome by Dr. G. Hukugha Sema, Commissioner & Secretary of the Department of Land Resources, followed by an introduction to Coffee Canvas by Partha Pratim Choudary of the Coffee Board’s North Eastern Region. The inauguration ended with a vote of thanks by Hekato N., Additional Director of the Department of Land Resources.
The event included technical sessions on incubation, coffee exports, digital printing and packaging, brand management, and live coffee brewing demonstrations conducted by experts from the Coffee Quality Division, Eté Coffee.
