Dimapur: Nagaland adviser to the Land Resources Department G Ikuto Zhimomi on Thursday said the Coffees of Nagaland Mission, launched in New Delhi on May 19, aims to establish the state as a distinct origin-based specialty coffee brand with global recognition.
Under the initiative, cluster-based coffee value-chain development has been taken up through two pilot projects — Tuophema cluster in Kohima district for Arabica coffee and Ghotovi cluster in Niuland district for Robusta coffee, Zhimomi said while speaking as the chief guest during the observation of International Coffee Day at the Directorate of Land Resources in Kohima.
During the programme, held on the theme “Coffee is Part of the Solution”, speakers discussed the potential of coffee cultivation, value-chain development and emerging opportunities for Nagaland’s coffee sector.
Zhimomi spoke about the role of coffee in addressing wider challenges through support to growers, collaboration, sustainability, climate resilience, innovation and inclusive development.
He stated that coffee has been identified as a unique selling proposition (USP) of Nagaland.
Zhimomi also referred to the “Coffees of Nagaland” documentary, which showcases the journey of coffee from farm to cup, the employment opportunities generated by the sector and its potential to reach international markets.
He said that coffee is not merely a popular beverage but an important source of income and livelihood, connecting agriculture, trade, employment, business and culture.
He observed that the strategic development of Nagaland’s coffee sector presents an opportunity for sustainable rural transformation by leveraging the state’s agro-climatic advantages and responding to the growing demand for specialty coffee.
Continued investment and support across the coffee value chain, Zhimomi said, would contribute to inclusive economic growth, climate-resilient land-use systems, greater global visibility for Nagaland coffee and long-term economic resilience for rural communities.