Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia on Saturday concluded his three-day visit to Nagaland, during which he participated in key cultural events, inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects, and reviewed the State’s emerging agricultural potential, particularly in coffee cultivation.
Speaking to media persons at Dimapur Airport before departing for New Delhi, Scindia described his visit as an enriching experience and said Nagaland’s people, culture, and heritage hold immense potential that deserves global recognition. Recalling his participation in the traditional stone-pulling ceremony, he said his interactions with handloom and handicraft artisans, blacksmiths, and other local craftsmen left a deep impression on him.
“The potential that Nagaland has in its people, in its rich culture, in its rich heritage, is something that the world must be aware of and the world must come and experience,” he commented.
Scindia stressed that Nagaland should not be viewed only through the lens of the Hornbill Festival, urging people across the country and the world to look beyond it and experience the State in its entirety. “Please don’t limit Nagaland only to the Hornbill Festival. There is much more to Nagaland that needs not only to be experienced, but lived and discovered,” he remarked.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Highlighting the State’s agricultural prospects, the Union Minister spoke at length about his visit to coffee plantations in Nagaland, where both Arabica and Robusta varieties are being cultivated.
Terming the quality of beans grown in Nagaland as of international standards, Scindia said the the Ministry of Commerce, along with the DoNER Ministry, is actively working to promote Nagaland coffee. He also lauded the branding and packaging of Nagaland coffee, describing it as “nothing short of world-class.”
Referring to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s vision of identifying unique selling propositions for each State, Scindia said coffee has been identified as Nagaland’s niche product. “And so, we are working on a a project with regard to coffee,” he said.
Currently, about 11,000 hectares are under coffee cultivation in the State, and plans are underway to establish a common processing centre to promote value addition and enhance income for coffee growers, he further informed.
The Union Minister further said he has been working closely with Chief Minister Rio on several issues of regional importance, including initiatives relating to the entire North East. He noted that Rio is heading a high-level task force for the region on a particular issue, adding that there are multiple opportunities in Nagaland that need to be harnessed.
“And I look forward to working closely with not only him, but with the people of Nagaland with whom I have developed a very close bond over the last three days,” Scindia said.
He added that over the course of his visit, he has developed a close bond with the people of the State and remains committed to supporting its growth and development.
