A programme funded by NEC and organised by Land Resources Department, Nagaland, for distribution of coffee pulpers for coffee growers of Kohima district was held at Solidarity Park, Kohima, on 5th May 2021. The Department distributed coffee pulpers to 50 beneficiaries.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in his speech extended his sincere appreciation to the coffee farmers for their success in coffee plantation. Rio said that there are about 1886 coffee farmers in Nagaland and that it is one of the highest growing market in the world. Therefore, they should try their best to produce it on a large scale basis. He further added that through the CM Corpus Fund, in every district and sub divisions, he would help to train the farmers in order to build coffee shops for their sustainability. Rio also said that the coffee farmers are the pioneers and hence, they should have a systematic organization which will help not only their individual growth but also help in boosting the economy of the State.
District Project Officer, Land Resources Development, Dr. Menuosietuo Tseikha in his keynote address said it was the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio’s initiatives to undertaking the programme to benefit the beneficiaries and mentioned that the distribution of the Coffee pulper machines to the beneficiaries was the first step for the farmers to move forward. He also lauded the farmers to make good use of the machine by sharing it amongst the other farmers in their respective community and not leasing it out on hires and also to encourage other farmers about the benefits of coffee farming.
Rokovizo Senotsu, who spoke on behalf of Angami Area Coffee growers, said most of the farmers had received sapling and trainings from the government which has help the beneficiaries, he also shared about the hardship and difficulties the farmers faced during the dry seasons.
Kenneth Kath who spoke on behalf of Rengma Area Coffee Growers said farmers should do away with the old traditional farming but should implement new tech of modern farming. He also encouraged young coffee farmers take up the farming with machineries.
(Maongtemjen & Takumpula, IA)
