Nagaland – A frontrunner in coffee production

February 17, 2024 25 Views No Comment

Kohima, February 17 (MExN): The Coffee Roasting Machines, funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), were distributed to beneficiaries during a programme held at the Directorate of Land Resources in Kohima on February 16. G Ikuto Zhimomi, Advisor of Land Resources, Nagaland, graced the event, a DIPR report stated.

In his address, Zhimomi highlighted the resurgence of coffee farming in Nagaland, dating back to its introduction in the 1970s. He commended the efforts to revive the industry, which had faced discontinuation in the late 1990s but was reintroduced by the Department of Land Resources in 2014. “This revival, coupled with proper information dissemination and departmental interest, has positioned Nagaland as a frontrunner in coffee production within the North Eastern region,” it stated.

Zhimomi emphasised Nagaland’s potential as a leading coffee producer, citing its conducive natural climate and the crop’s longevity, which spans centuries. He proposed coffee farming as a viable alternative to traditional jhum cultivation, drawing parallels with coffee giants like Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Ethiopia.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of Commissioner Secretary Land Resources in supporting farmers, Zhimomi assured assistance to areca nut, coffee, and rubber farmers in securing fair prices and avoiding exploitation by intermediaries. He underscored the commitment of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio towards farmers’ welfare and envisioned a promising future for them.

A press release added that earlier, Albert Ngullie, Director of Land Resources highlighted the progress of coffee farming in the state. He expressed gratitude to the Coffee Board of India and NEC for their collaborative efforts in supporting coffee farmers in Nagaland.

Additional Development Planning and Transformation Department, Nlumo Murry also spoke briefly about the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) as the ‘most performer department.’

Deputy Director, Coffee Board of India, Jayanta Ghosh spoke about the uniqueness of Nagaland coffee. He mentioned that “the generous gesture of DoLR will definitely carry forward the entrepreneurs who got the coffee roasters today to increase the internal consumption in the State and indirectly contribute to the Nation’s per capital consumption of coffee.”

During the ceremony, Coffee Roasting Machines were distributed to the following beneficiaries: Zakietsono Jamir – Dimapur; R Lichanbemo Humtsoe – Kohima; Tiakum Kichu – Mokokchung; Nsungthung V Ngullie – Kohima; Thejanuo Kets – Kohima; Boholi Chishi – Dimapur, and Kekhriengulie– Kohima.

The vote of thanks was pronounced by Additional Director, DoLR, Hekato N.