Kohima/New Delhi : Nagaland has taken a major step towards positioning itself as a premium coffee-producing state with the launch of the ambitious “Coffees of Nagaland” mission, a Rs 49.48-crore cluster-based coffee value chain project aimed at creating a complete ecosystem from cultivation to branding and global marketing.

The initiative was jointly launched virtually on Sunday by Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

The launch event in New Delhi was attended by Union Minister of State for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, officials of the Coffee Board of India, along with farmers, entrepreneurs and state officials who joined virtually from Kohima and Niuland districts.

The project will initially focus on two pilot clusters – Touphema in Kohima district for Arabica coffee cultivation and Ghotovi in Niuland district for Robusta coffee production. These clusters are expected to serve as model centres for future expansion across Nagaland.

Under the initiative, the state plans to establish five hi-tech nurseries, expand plantation coverage across 400 hectares, and develop critical infrastructure including washing stations, roastery-cum-cafés and a coffee quality control laboratory.

The project will also introduce modern infrastructure such as internal farm roads, drip irrigation systems and blockchain-based traceability mechanisms with QR code authentication to enable farm-to-cup tracking of coffee products.

Addressing the programme, Scindia said the initiative would help establish coffee as Nagaland’s unique selling proposition while generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities.

He said the mission is expected to enhance farmer incomes through premium coffee production while creating jobs in processing, roasting, brewing, tourism and allied sectors. The Union minister added that the project aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and would encourage sustainable agroforestry practices, reducing dependence on traditional jhum cultivation.

As part of the programme, farmers and entrepreneurs will also receive specialised training in plantation management, post-harvest processing, roasting, brewing and barista skills through collaborations with the Coffee Board of India.

An umbrella branding campaign titled “Coffees of Nagaland – Taste of Eminence” will further promote the state’s coffee products through digital platforms, e-commerce channels and participation in national and international trade fairs.

Speaking during the launch, Rio said coffee cultivation in Nagaland has seen steady growth since plantation revival efforts began in 2014-15. He noted that the state’s coffee output increased from 21 metric tonnes in 2021-22 to nearly 73 metric tonnes in 2024-25.

The chief minister said Nagaland aims to bring 50,000 hectares under coffee cultivation by 2047 as part of the state’s “Viksit Nagaland” vision.

Rio also highlighted plans to promote experiential coffee tourism through farm stays and farm-to-cup experiences, which he said would open up new opportunities for local youth and entrepreneurs.