Kohima, May 19: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia jointly launched the “Cluster-based Coffee Value Chain Development in Nagaland” project, aimed at promoting coffee cultivation, farmer livelihoods and global branding of Nagaland coffee.
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| Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia during the launch of the “Coffees of Nagaland” mission aimed at promoting coffee farming, branding and sustainable livelihoods in the state. (Image: X/Neiphiu_Rio) |
The project, launched virtually in the presence of Minister of State for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister T. R. Zeliang, Adviser G. Ikuto Zhimomi and representatives of the Coffee Board of India, seeks to strengthen the coffee value chain through cluster-based development.
Addressing the programme, Scindia said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently encouraged innovative approaches to transform the lives of people in the Northeast.
He said the initiative reflects not only a “whole of government” approach but also a “whole of India” effort to unlock the vast potential of coffee farming in Nagaland.
“We want to ensure that farmers receive a greater share of the agricultural value chain and that Nagaland coffee brands prosper globally,” Scindia said.
Chief Minister Rio described coffee as the “USP of Nagaland” and said the state’s coffee sector has emerged as a driver of sustainable prosperity since plantation revival efforts began in 2014-15.
He said Nagaland aims to expand coffee cultivation to 50,000 hectares by 2047 under the state’s “Viksit Nagaland” vision.
According to Rio, pilot clusters at Tuophema and Ghotovi will serve as models for the project, featuring hi-tech nurseries, washing stations, roasteries and branding initiatives aimed at positioning “Coffees of Nagaland” as a premium, traceable single-origin brand.
The project will also integrate experiential coffee tourism through farm stays to create opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs while showcasing Nagaland’s heritage and culture.
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Rio said the initiative would support livelihoods, reduce jhum cultivation, conserve forests and protect the fragile hill ecology of the state.
He assured full support from the Nagaland government for timely implementation of the project and urged farmers to adopt new technologies and participate in training programmes.
“As we launch this project, we are planting not just coffee, but also hope, prosperity and pride in our hills,” Rio said.
