The Union Minister for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, virtually launched the “Coffees of Nagaland” Mission along with the pilot project, “Cluster-Based Coffee Value Chain Development in Nagaland,” in the presence of Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on May 18, 2026, in New Delhi.
Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, officials from the district administration, the Department of Land Resources, coffee farmers, and village council members virtually joined the programme at the Council Hall, Touphema Village under Kohima district.
Delivering the keynote address, Scindia described the initiative as a transformative step towards positioning Nagaland coffee as a major brand while strengthening rural livelihoods. He said the mission aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and promotes sustainable agroforestry in place of jhum cultivation. He also highlighted the proposed branding of “Coffees of Nagaland-Taste of Eminence” to promote the state’s coffee in national and international markets.
Scindia also expressed hope that the pilot clusters at Touphema in Kohima district for Arabica coffee and Ghotovi in Niuland district for Robusta coffee would serve as models for expansion across the state and the Northeast region.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rio said Nagaland has made significant progress in coffee cultivation since its revival in 2014–15, with production increasing from 21 metric tonnes in 2021–22 to nearly 73 metric tonnes in 2024–25. He stated that the initiative would provide sustainable livelihoods, reduce dependence on jhum cultivation, and help conserve forests and the fragile hill ecology. Rio assured full support from the State Government for effective implementation of the project.
The programme at Tuophema concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Chairman of Tuophema Village Council, Pfüduolhou Kense. Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, also virtually addressed the participants.
(Akamla, IA Chiephobozou)
