Guwahati, June 16: Recognizing the growing potential of its coffee sector, the Nagaland government has officially declared coffee as a Unique Selling Point (USP) product of the state—an ambitious step aimed at securing authenticity, boosting market value, and positioning local produce on the global stage.

“This formal recognition boosts market value, ensures authenticity, and positions our produce for global markets,” said G. Ikuto Zhimomi, MLA and Advisor for Land Resources, at the Coffee Canvas event held recently in Kohima. He encouraged local entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity and build globally competitive brands rooted in the state’s coffee culture.

Held at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima and themed “A Journey from Farm to Global Market,” the event brought together farmers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and coffee experts to discuss the expanding footprint of Nagaland’s coffee—from its forested plantations to award-winning recognition abroad.

Zhimomi highlighted that Nagaland coffee is moving from being a mere commodity to a globally recognised specialty product. “It’s a benchmark for emerging coffee regions,” he said, citing international accolades, including a silver medal at the 2021 Aurora International Taste Challenge (AITC) in South Africa and a gold medal in 2023 for naturally processed beans from the Nagaland Washing Station.

While over 10.4 lakh hectares—approximately 62.7% of the state’s area—are suitable for coffee cultivation, only about 1.08% (11,187 hectares) is currently under use. Zhimomi called this a massive untapped opportunity, one that could transform rural economies, generate employment, and elevate Nagaland’s profile in the global specialty coffee sector.

Director of Land Resources and CEO of SLNA, Albert Ngullie, outlined a long-term plan to expand coffee cultivation to 50,000 hectares by 2047, coinciding with India’s centenary of independence. “Nagaland has the ideal climate for both Arabica and Robusta varieties,” he said. “Coffee here is not just a crop; it’s a model for ecological sustainability, economic opportunity, and youth employment.”

Ngullie noted that the department’s approach is built on three pillars: Ecology, Employment, and Economy. Promoting coffee as an agroforestry crop, it discourages harmful land-clearing practices and supports biodiversity. Simultaneously, the sector is emerging as a livelihood generator through plantation, processing, branding, and café culture.

Although only 8% of cultivated land is currently in the harvesting stage, production is expected to scale rapidly. “We anticipate at least 50% of plantations reaching maturity within the next two years,” Ngullie added. The state currently produces over 195 metric tonnes of parchment and cherry coffee.

The Department has already facilitated the development of 16 coffee cafés, 12 washing stations, and 7 roasteries across the state. It also supports start-ups, provides exposure visits, and invests in modern infrastructure and processing units to meet international standards.

Experts say the flavour profile of Nagaland’s coffee is deeply influenced by the region’s high-altitude microclimates, indigenous biodiversity, and traditional farming systems. “Our coffee cherries mature slowly and richly, thanks to cool temperatures and consistent rainfall,” said Ngullie.

Technical sessions at the Coffee Canvas explored everything from branding and packaging to export markets and digital tools. Sessions were led by the Coffee Board of India, AIC-CCRI-CED, and private sector innovators like We Brand Coffee and HP. The event concluded with a live coffee brewing demonstration by the Coffee Quality Division of Eté Coffee.

Also Read: Unearthing Nagaland’s past to build a sustainable future

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