Kohima, 1st October 2026 (Nokinketer News): Nagaland is seeking to position coffee as a major rural livelihood opportunity and a distinct global identity for the State, with the Government focusing on expanding cultivation, improving quality, strengthening value chains and creating wider market access.
The vision was highlighted during the observance of International Coffee Day 2026 at the Directorate of Land Resources, Kohima, on Thursday under the theme, “Coffee is Part of the Solution.” The programme was hosted by MLA & Advisor, Land Resources, G. Ikuto Zhimomi.
Zhimomi said the theme reflected coffee’s potential to contribute to sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, innovation and inclusive economic development. He noted that coffee has been identified as a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of Nagaland, with the Coffees of Nagaland Mission launched in New Delhi on May 19, 2026.
The mission aims to establish Nagaland as a distinct origin-based specialty coffee brand with global recognition. Cluster-based value-chain development has been initiated through pilot projects at Tuophema in Kohima district for Arabica coffee and Ghotovi in Niuland district for Robusta coffee.
Zhimomi said coffee should be viewed not merely as a beverage or plantation crop but as an economic ecosystem connecting farmers, businesses, employment, trade and tourism. He stressed the need to strengthen the entire value chain while creating greater opportunities for youth.
MLA & Advisor for Labour, Employment & Skill Development and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, said coffee represented a new expression of the Department of Land Resources’ longstanding objective of linking land, water and people with sustainable livelihoods. Describing coffee as an emerging rural industry, he stressed the importance of quality, value addition and improved farmer incomes.
CEO, SLNA and Director, Land Resources, Albert Ngullie, traced Nagaland’s coffee journey from its introduction as an alternative cash crop in 1981 to the revival of plantations by the Department from 2014–15 and its adoption as a State USP in 2026. He identified expansion of cultivation, productivity and quality improvement, skill development, branding and certification as key priorities.
Coffee grower Khenyen Konyak from Tobu, Mon, shared his experience and the challenges faced by farmers, including poor road connectivity, while highlighting departmental support.
Industry representatives also emphasised the need for quality and proper post-harvest practices. Searon Yanthan, Founder of Juro Coffeehouse, said the company had developed a farm-to-cup ecosystem and expanded markets to India, Canada and the UK.
Representatives from the Coffee Board, NABARD and North Eastern Council highlighted technical support, institutional financing, value-chain development, traceability, GI tagging, branding and export potential. NEC also emphasised developing the complete coffee value chain within Nagaland to ensure greater returns for farmers.
The programme featured the launch and screening of the documentary “Coffees of Nagaland,” release of coffee publications and the book “Coffee Cultivation” by Dr Mary N. Odyuo and Khrielanuo Khezhie.
The event concluded with the flagging off of a series of coffee-related activities across the State, marking the beginning of International Coffee Day observances in Nagaland.
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