The Mission “Coffees of Nagaland” and the pilot project titled “Cluster Based Coffee Value Chain Development in Nagaland” was officially e-launched at Sanchar Bhavan, New Delhi on Monday by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and Communications, Jyotiraditya M Scindia.

The virtual launch programme was held in the presence of Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, along with Minister of State for DoNER, Sukanta Majumdar, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang, Advisor for Land Resources, G Ikuto Zhimomi, and Secretary, DoNER, Sanjay Jaju.

The e-launch programme was conducted simultaneously at Tuophema in Kohima district for Arabica coffee and at Ghotovi in Niuland district for Robusta coffee, marking a major step towards strengthening Nagaland’s coffee value chain and positioning the State as a premium coffee-producing hub.

Dignitaries, senior officials from the Department of Land Resources, Government of Nagaland, representatives from the Coffee Board of India, coffee farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from the coffee sector were present during the launch programme.

In his key note address at New Delhi, Scindia said that the e-launch of the “Cluster-based Coffee Value Chain Development in Nagaland” project is not just the launch of one more scheme – it is the beginning of a transformative journey that will position coffee as the true USP of Nagaland and strengthen the economic backbone of its rural communities.

Stating Northeast as not merely a region of beautiful landscapes but a powerhouse of unique produce and entrepreneurial spirit. He highlighted that Nagaland’s agro-climatic conditions are exceptionally suited for premium Arabica and Robusta coffee.

“For too long, our tribal farmers have remained at the bottom of the value chain — producing excellent beans but earning little from them. This project changes that narrative decisively,” Scindia noted.

The Union Minister emphasized that with a total investment of Rs 49.48 crore, the project adopts a focused cluster-based approach with two pilot sites — Tuophema in Kohima for Arabica and Ghotovi in Niuland for Robusta. Scindia also mentioned that through hi-tech nurseries, new area expansion of 400 hectares with proper terracing and soil conservation, modern washing stations, roasting-grinding units, and farm-stay experiences, the ministry is building an end-to-end value chain from seed to cup.

The integration of traceability technology, he said, would ensure that every packet of “Coffees of Nagaland” carries the authentic story of farmers and the land.

Stating optimism of financial viability of the project, the Union Minister highlighted an Internal Rate of Return of 15.4%, a positive Net Present Value, and a payback period of about 8 years. More importantly, he said that it promises to raise average yields from 200-300 kg/ha to potentially 800 kg/ha, while creating year-round employment, especially for youth, and opening avenues in processing, roasting, barista skills, and coffee tourism.

This initiative, Scindia said perfectly aligns with national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also added that it moves away from shifting cultivation (jhum) towards sustainable agroforestry, conserves biodiversity, and builds climate resilience.

“The state-wide capacity-building programme, in partnership with the Coffee Board of India, would empower thousands of farmers and entrepreneurs. The ambitious branding exercise to create a unified “Coffees of Nagaland – Taste of Eminence” umbrella brand, supported by digital marketing, e-commerce, and participation in national and international fairs, will take Nagaland coffee to premium markets in India and abroad,” he noted.

Scindia also congratulated the Government of Nagaland for preparing this comprehensive DPR with vision and precision. He also appreciated the Coffee Board of India for their continued technical support. To the farmers and FPOs, the Union Minister said that today is their day. “This is your opportunity to become not just growers but proud owners of a premium global brand. The Government of India stands firmly with you,” he noted.

Marking the beginning of Nagaland’s emergence as a major coffee hub of the Northeast, the Union Minister also showed confident that the success of these two pilot clusters would become a model for replication across the state and the region.

Addressing the e-launch of the “Cluster-Based Coffee Value Chain Development in Nagaland” project from Delhi, Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio expressed gratitude to the Union Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) for extending financial and visionary support towards the initiative.

“Coffee is the USP of Nagaland. We are not making a claim — we are stating a fact that the Government of India has acknowledged and supported wholeheartedly,” he said.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

The Chief Minister stated that Nagaland has witnessed significant growth in coffee production since the revival of plantations in 2014-15. He noted that coffee is no longer merely an alternative crop but is gradually becoming a pathway towards sustainable prosperity for farmers across the State.

Highlighting the growth trajectory, Rio said coffee production increased from 21 metric tonnes in 2021-22 to nearly 73 metric tonnes in 2024-25. He further shared the State’s ambitious vision of bringing 50,000 hectares under coffee cultivation by 2047 as part of the “Viksit Nagaland” mission.

Rio said the newly launched project has been strategically designed to accelerate this transformation through two pilot clusters — Tuophema in Kohima district and Ghotovi in Niuland district.

According to him, the project would establish hi-tech nurseries to ensure quality planting materials, while modern post-harvest infrastructure, including nine washing stations and roasteries, would help add value at the farm level.

He also emphasized the importance of branding and marketing under the proposed “Coffees of Nagaland” identity, which aims to position Nagaland coffee as a premium, traceable, single-origin product in national and international markets.

E-launch of the programme at Touphema

The Chief Minister further highlighted the integration of experiential coffee tourism into the project. Farm stays and coffee trails, he said, would allow visitors to experience the journey “from cherry to cup” while generating additional income opportunities for local youth and entrepreneurs and promoting Nagaland’s cultural and tribal heritage.

Rio said the initiative would contribute significantly towards creating dignified livelihoods, reducing dependence on jhum cultivation, conserving forests, and protecting the fragile hill ecology of the State.

Describing it as “a project of the people, by the people, and for the people,” he assured that the Government of Nagaland would provide full administrative and political support for timely and quality implementation.

He also informed that the Department of Land Resources has been directed to ensure effective utilization of funds and empowerment of beneficiaries.

Calling upon farmers to actively participate in the initiative, Rio urged them to adopt new technologies, join training programmes, and become ambassadors of Nagaland coffee.

“The world is ready to savour the unique flavour of our high-altitude, shade-grown beans,” he remarked.

Concluding his address, the Chief Minister said the launch of the project symbolized more than coffee cultivation.

“Today, as we launch this project, we are not just planting coffee — we are planting hope, prosperity, and pride in our hills,” he added, while reaffirming his commitment to making Nagaland globally recognised for excellence in coffee.

Earlier during the programme at Touphema an introductory remarks and context setting was done by Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).

As part of the programme, a short film titled “Coffees of Nagaland” was also screened.

The event also featured interactions with Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) farmers from the selected pilot clusters of Tuophema in Kohima district and Ghotovi in Niuland district. An interactive session was also held with entrepreneurs and start-ups associated with the coffee sector. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sentiyanger Imchen, Chief Secretary of the Government of Nagaland.

The e-launch of the “Cluster-Based Coffee Value Chain Development in Nagaland” project at Ghotovi in Niuland district witnessed the participation of senior government officials, coffee farmers, and entrepreneurs associated with the State’s growing coffee sector.

Chief Secretary, Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS attended the programme along with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Niuland, Superintendent of Police (SP) Niuland, Additional Director of Land Resources, Commissioner & Secretary, LRD, and officials from the Department of Land Resources.

During the programme, coffee farmers and entrepreneurs Khevito Chophi , Coffee Farmer, Kuhoxu Village , Catherine Zhimomi Coffee Farmer, Ghotovi and Vivito Yeptho Founder & Managing Director Nagaland Coffee Pvt.Ltd. all shared their experiences and insights on coffee cultivation and the opportunities emerging in Nagaland’s coffee industry.