A Pangjung Jamir flagging off coffee events and activities at the International Coffee Day. (DIPR Photo)
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Kohima, October 1 (MExN): The Nagaland government on Thursday observed International Coffee Day 2026 at the Directorate of Land Resources here, highlighting the state's push to build a globally recognised, origin-based specialty coffee brand under the ‘Coffees of Nagaland’ mission.
Held on the theme ‘Coffee is Part of the Solution,’ the programme was hosted by Land Resources Advisor G Ikuto Zhimomi, according to a DIPR report.
Zhimomi said coffee has been identified as a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of the state. The Coffees of Nagaland Mission was launched in New Delhi on May 19 by the Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, in the presence of the chief minister and deputy chief minister.
Under the mission, cluster-based value-chain development is being taken up through two pilot projects: the Tuophema cluster in Kohima district for Arabica and the Ghotovi cluster in Niuland district for Robusta.
Zhimomi said the strategic development of the sector offers an opportunity for sustainable rural transformation, leveraging the state's agro-climatic advantages and rising demand for specialty coffee. He said youth must be at the centre of the effort and called for every cup of Nagaland coffee to tell the story of its soil, farmers, youth, enterprises and environment.
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Advisor for Labour, Employment & Skill Development and Excise Moatoshi Longkumer described coffee as an “economic ecosystem” rather than merely a plantation crop, stressing quality, value addition and farmer livelihoods. He recalled the department's work since its establishment in 1993, including afforestation, conservation and the introduction of rubber cultivation with the Rubber Board of India.
Director of Land Resources and CEO of SLNA Albert Ngullie traced the state's coffee journey, from the introduction of coffee as an alternative cash crop in 1981 by the Coffee Board of India and the Nagaland Plantation Crops Development Corporation, to the handover of plantations to local communities in 1991. He said the department led a revival from 2014-15, and coffee was adopted as the state's USP in 2026.
He listed the department's priorities as expanding cultivation, improving productivity and quality, strengthening skills across the value chain, and completing branding and certification.
Longkumer, a former Land Resources Department officer, launched the documentary “Coffees of Nagaland”, which showcases the journey from farm to cup. Dr Sentitula, IFS, released coffee brochures and publications, while Zhimomi released the book “Coffee Cultivation” by Dr Mary N Odyuo and Khrielanuo Khezhie.
Additional Director and Project Director, Coffees of Nagaland (USP), Hekato N proposed the vote of thanks.
Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Advisor Pangjung Jamir later flagged off a series of coffee events and activities marking International Coffee Day 2026 in the state.
International Coffee Day is observed annually on October 1 under the International Coffee Organization.
