On the occasion of the International Coffee Day, the Directorate of Land Resources organized an event on the theme ‘Collaboration for a better tomorrow’ at the office conference hall, Kohima on 1st October 2024.

Advisor, Land Resources, G. Ikuto Zhimomi delivering his message emphasized on promoting Nagaland coffee across the districts by creating cafes and coffee bars offering world-class coffee at reasonable prices. He also encouraged the youth to take up coffee entrepreneurship seriously keeping in view the scope of employment and economic desire of the people.

Zhimomi also encouraged the Land Resources Department and Coffee Board of India, to continue promoting coffee development in the State, support the coffee farmers, and work towards taking Nagaland grown coffee to greater heights. He remarked that the Department has been actively supporting coffee development at all levels such as area expansion, post-harvest processing, roasting of coffee beans and also providing barista training to the youth interested in the art of coffee making. He further added that the department, being the Nodal agency for coffee development in the State, has put in a lot of effort in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India to promote coffee plantation and coffee-based entrepreneurs to generate employment opportunities.

Also highlighting the development of coffee production in Nagaland context, the Advisor, said that it was taken up during 1970's and 1990’s however, not much progress was achieved at that point of time. He added that in 2014, the Coffee Board partnered with the Department of Land Resources has taken visionary initiative to revive the coffee plantations in the State. He stated that before 2014, coffee plantations in Nagaland were around 145 hectares area whereas now, area under coffee plantation has increased to 10,200 hectares.

Commissioner & Secretary, Land Resources, Kevekha Kevin Zehol delivering the keynote address said Nagaland was fortunate because coffee crop can grow all over the state. He added that coffee thrives well at 800 meters to 1,500 meter and Nagaland has just the perfect soil condition for that. He also emphasised on the importance of advertising and social media and urged the Department to advocate and propagate home-grown coffee through IPR warrior magazine and other government publications so that it reaches to all sections of Naga people.

Zehol said that the State government as policymakers would try to integrate the interest of the coffee farmers and growers while formulating policies. He also appealed to the Department to learn from the farmers, because they have also their own package of practices and further hopes that the department will duly address the suggestions given by the coffee farmers and entrepreneurs.

Coffee grower from Wokha, Yanthungo sharing his experience said that earlier there was no market, but by 2008, the Land Resources Department started promoting coffee plantation. He said the farmers started growing coffee with the encouragement from the department and with doorstep delivery of coffee seed free of cost to the framers. He also appealed to the department to assist in providing machinery and market linkages for the coffee growers in Nagaland.

Deputy Director (Extension), Coffee Board of India, Jorhat Jayanta Gosh, coffee producers and coffee entrepreneur delivered short speeches. 

Altogether, fifteen highest producers and largest growers from 16 districts were awarded with cash and certificates.

The event was followed by manual brewing competition, showcasing of coffee products from entrepreneurs and experiential exposure on different stages of coffee.

Advisor Geology & Mining, W. Chingang Konyak; MLA, C Manpon Konyak and a host of officials from various departments attended the programme.

(Esuihanghle, IA)