Monday, 18th May, 2026 (Nokinketer News): The ‘Cluster-based Coffee Value Chain Development in Nagaland’ project was jointly launched by Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Chief Minister of Nagaland Dr. Neiphiu Rio at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi, on 18th May 2026.

Minister of State, DoNER, Sukanta Majumdar; Deputy CM for Planning & Transformation, National Highways, Nagaland, T. R. Zeliang; Advisor for Department of Land Resources, Nagaland, G. Ikuto Zhimomi; senior government officials; representatives of the Coffee Board of India; farmers; and entrepreneurs were also present during the e-launch of the project.

CM Dr. Rio expressed gratitude to the Minister of DoNER for his generous support for the transformative project concerning development of coffee in the state. He informed that Rs 44.06 crore is being provided by DoNER and NEC to the Department of Land Resources, Government of Nagaland, for the project.

Highlighting the potential of coffee in the state, CM said that coffee is no longer just an alternative crop; it is becoming a vehicle for sustainable prosperity. From just 21 MT in 2021–22, production has grown to nearly 73 MT in 2024-25, with a further aim to achieve 50,000 hectares by 2047 under Viksit Nagaland.

CM informed that under the project two pilot clusters, Tuophema in Kohima district and Ghotovi in Niuland district, have been chosen, which will further be extended to all the districts of Nagaland. The pilot project will be equipped with hi-tech nurseries to ensure quality planting material; modern post-harvest infrastructure, including nine (9) washing stations and roasteries to add value at the farm gate; and a branding and marketing campaign to establish ‘Coffees of Nagaland’ as a premium, traceable, single-origin brand.

Emphasizing the importance of this initiative, CM said that it will help provide dignified livelihoods, reduce dependence on jhum cultivation, conserve forests, and protect the State’s fragile ecology. The project also aims to integrate experiential coffee tourism, farm stays where visitors can experience the journey from cherry to cup, which will create additional income streams for the youth and entrepreneurs while showcasing the state’s rich cultural and tribal heritage.

CM Dr. Rio assured all stakeholders of providing full administrative and political support for timely and quality implementation of the project and added that the Department of Land Resources has been given clear directions to ensure that every rupee is spent effectively and every beneficiary is empowered. He further exhorted the farmers to embrace the new technologies, participate in the training programmes, and become brand ambassadors of Nagaland coffee.

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