After eight years of investment and experimentation, ‘Jemdangang’ an organically grown, locally produced green tea from Tuli, Mokokchung was officially launched by Rev. Dr. Kari Longchar on November 26 at Mercy Home, Sangtemla Ward, Mokokchung Town. The product is now available in the market, particularly at Urban Oasis Mart and Unique Bakery, with proposals underway for placement at Vishal Megamart. Beginning Monday, Jemdangang will also reach Kohima and be available at the Hornbill Festival, Kisama, where a dedicated stall will be set up to sell the product.
Lima Longchar shared that Jemdangang green tea is produced from a fully organic tea plantation located about 10 miles from Tuli, just a kilometre away from the Tuli train station. The plantation covers roughly four hectares and is jointly owned by three individuals, Lima Longchar with 2 hectares, Lanu Atsongschanger with over 1 hectare, and Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener with 1 hectare. The field, situated in a valley-type terrain, was originally purchased with various cash crops in mind. Betel nut and agar plantations were considered but later dropped due to suitability issues, leading the group to eventually settle on tea.
He explained that they chose organic farming because labour in the Tuli area is affordable and available, and no other organic tea producers existed in the region. Their plantation is registered with the Tea Board of India in Jorhat, which also encouraged them to pursue organic cultivation. However, the absence of an organic tea factory nearby became a major challenge. Although leaf plucking began last year, they faced difficulties because organic leaves require timely plucking to allow the tea table to expand naturally, and delaying the process led to losses over the years.
Switching to non-organic production was not an option, as it would nullify all their investments in organic farming. The only certified organic processing facility available to them is in Jorhat, but transporting fresh leaves over such long distances is impractical. Setting up their own certified mini-factory was estimated at around ₹20–30 lakhs, an investment they were unable to make. To find alternatives, they visited small local tea units in neighbouring villages to study their methods. Eventually, they decided to rely on a handmade machine and began trial production from September this year. These early batches were tested locally and stocked and the feedback was encouraging.
The brand name “Jemdangang” was given by the wife of Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener 5 years ago and has also been registered with the Tea Board. As the product awaits full organic certification, a three-year process handled only by two agencies based in South India, the team currently labels it as “naturally produced,” although no chemicals or artificial fertilizers are used.
Regarding pricing, Lima shared that the tea is costly, with one kilogram priced at around ₹3,500 and 70 grams at ₹250. The product enters the market formally after today’s launch.
During the launch of the ‘Jemdangang’ natural green tea, Dr. L. Kari Longchar highlighted the need for individuals, families, villages and even the district and state to work towards self-sufficiency. He noted that despite the resources available across the regions, many remain underutilised, resulting in a growing dependence on established systems and “readymade” support. He observed that, over the years, people have begun to rely too much on external help rather than putting in the hard work required to sustain themselves.
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Dr. Longchar pointed out that many individuals today express the desire to return to their villages, reconnect with their land and make use of their own resources. However, he emphasised that interest alone is not enough and that skilled guidance, scientific knowledge, and practical direction are necessary for people to learn how to work effectively and productively.
Using the example of this natural green tea, he said that the same principle applies across all sectors of crops, items, industries, and production units. Efficient production and proper marketing, he stressed, are essential, and he hoped that it only cater to nearby towns but also to reach wider and even international markets. He reminded the youth that expanding markets beyond the local level is ultimately their responsibility.
Reflecting on the years since Nagaland attained statehood in 1963, he remarked that many have fallen into a habit of expecting benefits from the system without contributing through hard work, which he likened to a “beggar” mentality. He urged that with determination and the strength that God has given every individual, it is possible to earn a living with dignity.
Dr. Longchar concluded by reiterating that production must remain a priority and encouraged everyone to work hard in their respective fields to reduce dependency and build a more self-reliant society.
Lanu Atsongschanger acknowledged that the journey to this day had not been easy, and expressed deep appreciation for the people who made the venture possible. He highlighted the crucial role of Lima Longchar, noting that Lima and his wife consistently supported the project, often being physically present on the ground more than the other two partners, Lanu and Mar. He also thanked Nungshitemjen for his labour and commitment, saying that his hard work helped transform what was once a virgin forest into a source of livelihood.
Lanu further shared that Lima’s encouragement kept them going during moments when they felt like giving up. He recalled how Lima, whom he described as an inventor, introduced the idea of creating a handmade machine for their work, especially at a time when setting up machines worth lakhs of rupees was beyond their imagination.
Meyisupong, while addressing the gathering, reflected on his long association with the tea field, one he has seen grow and take shape over the years. He described the launch as the result of sustained effort and significant investment, noting that the work behind it cannot be fully captured in words. He recalled tasting the first batch of tea produced from the field, an experience that marked the beginning of a long journey.
Highlighting its value, he said that tea holds importance for many, but green tea, in particular, carries essential health benefits. He also pointed out that while copying someone’s work may seem easy, the dedication and hard labour required to build something from the ground up is far more demanding than it appears.
