Kohima, May 18 (PTI) Union DoNER minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday jointly launched a project to develop a cluster-based coffee value chain in the state.
The e-launch of the project under the broader mission 'Coffees of Nagaland' was held in New Delhi.
It was attended by Union Minister of State for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang, representatives of Coffee Board of India, while state government officials, farmers and entrepreneurs joined the programme from the Deputy Commissioner's office in Niuland district and Touphema Village Council Hall in Kohima district.
The project will initially focus on two pilot clusters - Tuophema in Kohima for Arabica coffee and Ghotovi in Niuland for Robusta coffee. These clusters are expected to serve as model centres for future expansion across the state.
Key components of the project include the establishment of five hi-tech nurseries, expansion of 400 hectares of plantation area, construction of washing stations and roastery-cum-cafés, and setting up of a coffee quality control laboratory.
The project also includes internal roads, drip irrigation systems and blockchain-based traceability with QR codes for farm-to-cup authenticity.
Addressing the programme, Scindia said the initiative marks the beginning of a transformative journey to position coffee as Nagaland's true Unique Selling Proposition (USP) while improving the livelihoods of rural communities.
He said the Rs 49.48 crore project would create an end-to-end value chain from cultivation to marketing and help farmers gain better returns from premium-quality coffee.
He also stated that the project is expected to increase coffee yields and generate employment opportunities in processing, roasting, brewing, tourism and related sectors.
Scindia further said the initiative aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and promotes sustainable agroforestry practices while reducing dependence on jhum cultivation.
The project also includes state-wide capacity-building programmes in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India. Farmers and entrepreneurs will receive training in plantation management, post-harvest techniques, roasting, brewing and barista skills, along with exposure visits.
An umbrella branding initiative titled 'Coffees of Nagaland – Taste of Eminence' will also be promoted through digital outreach, e-commerce and participation in national and international fairs.
Speaking on the occasion, Rio thanked the Ministry of DoNER for supporting the initiative and described coffee as the USP of Nagaland.
He said coffee cultivation in the state has seen steady growth since the revival of plantations in 2014-15, with production increasing from 21 metric tonne in 2021-22 to nearly 73 metric tonne in 2024-25.
Rio said the state has set a target of bringing 50,000 hectares under coffee cultivation by 2047 under the vision of Viksit Nagaland.
He stated that the project would help create sustainable livelihoods, promote value addition at the farm level and strengthen Nagaland’s identity as a premium coffee-producing state.
The chief minister also highlighted the integration of experiential coffee tourism through farm stays and farm-to-cup experiences, which he said would create additional opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs.
Assuring full support for implementation, Rio urged farmers to adopt new technologies and actively participate in training programmes to make Nagaland coffee globally recognised.