In a significant boost to Nagaland’s agro-based industry, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Planning & Transformation, TR Zeliang, inaugurated “Nagaland Gold” CTC Black Tea, the latest product of Atoqa Tea Company Limited, under the brand name “Northeast Brews”, at the company’s tea factory and estate in Nikheku Village, Niuland District on October 24 last.
The Deputy Chief Minister, after unveiling the new tea brand, visited the factory’s manufacturing unit and encouraged the team that marketing was crucial in sustaining any industrial unit and such innovative ventures would encourage other local Agro based manufacturing unit and strengthen state’s economy.
The event was attended by Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Kajeto Kinimi, Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, S. Keyoshu Yimkhiunger, MLA Beni M Lamthiu, and a host of other dignitaries and invitees.
Established in 2021, Atoqa Tea Factory is the first 5-lakh kg capacity CTC tea factory licensed by the Tea Board of India in the region. Spread over a 150-acre estate, it operates as a Bought Leaf Factory (BLF) and supports over 160 small tea growers cultivating approximately 800 acres of tea plantations across 11 surrounding villages along the foothills.
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The newly launched “Nagaland Gold” CTC Black Tea is a single-origin, high-grown tea cultivated at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 feet. Its proximity to the famed Golaghat tea belt of Assam gives it a distinctive character—rich aroma and strong liquor—owing to the region’s unique humid climate and fertile soil. The company highlighted that the tea is processed, packed, and ready for consumers within 14 days — a true ‘farm-to-cup’ experience, unlike other brands that go through multiple blending stages over longer periods.
Also Read: “Sustaining Lives with Tea”: Atoqa brings Nagaland Gold to the world
K. Awomi, General Manager (Operations), informed that the new product would soon be available on retail shelves across Nagaland and other Northeastern states through the company’s marketing division. Looking ahead, Atoqa Tea Company plans to expand its vision by introducing destination events and tea tourism in the estate, including guided factory tours, tea tasting sessions, trekking, boating, angling, tea safari tours, and educational visits for students.
He further stated that the initiative aims to promote sustainable rural livelihoods through tourism and improve the local economy by engaging various stakeholders in the area, for a must visit destination in Dimapur. The estate is also expected to become a major tourist attraction during the Hornbill Festival, as Nikheku Village is known for hosting the Amur Falcons during their roosting season in November and December, adding another unique dimension to the area’s natural and cultural appeal.
