Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia virtually launched the Coffee of Nagaland mission on May 26, 2026, marking a major step toward transforming the state into a premium specialty coffee hub. The initiative, with an outlay of ₹175 crore, aims to replace traditional shifting cultivation with sustainable agroforestry while strengthening the livelihoods of thousands of Naga farmers. Along with the mission, a dedicated ₹49.48 crore pilot project was introduced to build an end-to-end value chain from local plantations to global markets.
Cluster-Based Coffee Value Chain Development
A key highlight of the launch was the introduction of the Cluster-Based Coffee Value Chain Development project, valued at ₹49.48 crore. This pilot project is designed to bridge the gap between production and market access by establishing critical infrastructure. It includes the setting up of five hi-tech nurseries to ensure the supply of quality seedlings and nine modern washing stations for post-harvest processing.
To ensure global competitiveness, the project incorporates advanced technology and quality control measures:
- Blockchain Traceability: The initiative will implement a blockchain-based system using QR codes. This allows consumers to track the journey of their coffee from the specific farm in Nagaland to their cup, ensuring authenticity and premium pricing.
- Quality Control Labs: A dedicated laboratory will be established to test and certify coffee quality, helping farmers meet international standards.
- Brand Identity: Products will be marketed under the umbrella brand “Coffees of Nagaland – Taste of Eminence.”
Pilot Coffee Clusters
The project has identified two distinct villages to serve as model clusters for the state’s most important coffee varieties.
| Cluster Location | District | Coffee Variety | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuophema Village | Kohima | Arabica | High-altitude, specialty grade coffee with fruity notes. |
| Ghotovi Village | Niuland | Robusta | Resilient variety suitable for lower altitudes and commercial blends. |
The Coffee Board of India and Nagaland’s Vision 2047
The Coffee Board of India is a statutory body established under the Coffee Act of 1942. It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and is headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. While the Board historically managed the marketing of coffee, its role today is primarily focused on research, development, and promotion. In Nagaland, the Board works closely with the Department of Land Resources to provide technical expertise and quality seedlings to tribal farmers.
The ‘Coffee of Nagaland’ mission is part of a broader roadmap known as Viksit Nagaland 2047. The state has identified approximately 10.4 lakh hectares of land as potentially suitable for coffee cultivation. Currently, over 11,000 hectares are being farmed, but the government has set an ambitious target to expand this to 50,000 hectares by 2047.
Key Takeaways
- Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launched the ₹175 crore Coffee of Nagaland mission to promote sustainable coffee cultivation.
- A pilot project worth ₹49.48 crore was introduced to establish an end-to-end coffee value chain in the state.
- Tuophema village in Kohima and Ghotovi village in Niuland were identified as pilot clusters for Arabica and Robusta coffee respectively.
- The project will feature blockchain-based traceability and a dedicated Coffee Quality Control Laboratory.
- The Coffee Board of India, a statutory body headquartered in Bengaluru, was established in 1942 under the Coffee Act.
- Nagaland aims to expand its coffee cultivation area to 50,000 hectares by 2047 as part of its long-term development vision.
