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Nagaland, nestled in the hills and mountains of northeastern India, is a land rich in natural, cultural, and environmental resources. The state’s vibrant people, known for zealously guarding their traditions—whether as dancers, warriors, or headhunters—are now witnessing a remarkable transformation in their beverage habits, as coffee culture gradually takes root.

Traditionally a tea-drinking community, the people of Nagaland are slowly incorporating coffee into their daily lives. However, this aromatic shift in the Naga kitchen has a long history. Coffee plantations were first introduced in 1981 by the Nagaland Plantation Crops Development Corporation (NPCDC) but were abandoned in 1991 due to management issues and a lack of market access. Despite the state’s favorable agro-climatic conditions for growing both Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties, coffee cultivation remained dormant until 2014. That year, the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) and the Coffee Board of India began exploring the potential for coffee plantations in the state, recognizing the crop’s vast scope and promise.

Nagaland, with a total geographical area of 16,57,900 hectares, has the potential to cultivate coffee on 10,40,100 hectares, which is about 62.7% of its land. Currently, approximately 10,700 hectares (0.65%) have been developed for coffee cultivation, with support from NABARD, RIDF, NEC, and PMKSY-WDC projects. Of this area, only 8.5% is currently under harvest, yielding 150.46 metric tons of coffee. As more of the cultivated area reaches the harvest stage in the coming years, a significant increase in production is expected. The department has also outlined an ambitious plan to expand coffee cultivation to 50,000 hectares by 2027, as envisioned in the Nagaland Vision 2030 document.

The Department of Land Resources (DoLR), as the nodal agency for coffee cultivation in the state, oversees the entire process from “field to cup.” The department promotes coffee as a solution to environmental and socio-economic challenges, based on its core principle of the “3 Es”:

Ecological Benefits: Coffee is a shade-loving crop that requires minimal jungle clearing of the undergrowth, preserving natural vegetation. This practice also discourages traditional slash-and-burn methods, helping prevent soil erosion and offering an alternative to jhum cultivation, thereby conserving the forest.

Employment Benefits: Coffee cultivation is labor-intensive and generates meaningful employment opportunities for rural communities. It provides a viable alternative to shifting cultivation and opens new avenues for job creation. The coffee industry has created employment across the entire value chain, from fieldwork to cup service. The department has established 22 coffee bars across the state and offers Barista training to promote gainful employment within the community.

Economic Benefits: Coffee is a high-value plantation crop of global economic significance, with substantial potential for generating foreign exchange for both the state and the country.

While the department has primarily focused on promoting coffee plantation activities, it is now providing post-harvest support on a small scale, particularly in areas where coffee has reached the harvest stage. This support, funded by the NEC, includes the establishment of coffee washing stations in clusters. Additionally, the department has facilitated market linkages with Noble Cause Pvt. Ltd., a South African-based company, through its subsidiary Naga Coffee Pvt. Ltd. in Dimapur, to export coffee produced in Nagaland. To date, 27 metric tons of specialty coffee have been exported. Nagaland Coffee is not only showcased in local cafes but is also exported to South Africa, Dubai, and Bahrain, where it enjoys significant demand.

The idea of coffee growing in the forests of Nagaland’s mountainous region might have seemed improbable in the past. Today, however, these lush woodlands yield a well-balanced cup of coffee, rich with peppery and spicy aromas. Nagaland’s coffee, grown under natural vegetation, is entirely organic and, due to the unique climatic conditions of each district, produces a diverse range of flavors, from fruity and earthy to spicy and citrusy, depending on the surrounding vegetation.

Experts in the field of coffee cupping have noted that the distinctive qualities of Nagaland coffee are largely influenced by factors such as elevation, microclimate, biodiversity, and traditional farming wisdom (Indigenous Technical Knowledge or ITKs). The state’s coffee growers employ traditional cultivation methods that prioritize land preservation, resulting in sustainable farming practices. Each coffee cherry is selectively handpicked at the peak of ripeness, enhancing the nuanced flavors and making each cup a sensory journey through Nagaland’s ecosystems. This unique, flavorful Nagaland coffee is increasingly sought after, with demand rising both locally and globally.

To ensure economic success, farmers must focus on producing high-quality coffee rather than quantity. Consistency in producing superior beans is crucial for better returns. Proper education and training are essential to empower growers to elevate their coffee production to meet specialty coffee standards. The state is also investing in state-of-the-art processing units and storage facilities to preserve the unique characteristics of the coffee from farm to cup.

Nagaland coffee has received international recognition, winning awards such as the Silver at the Aurora International Taste Challenge (AITC) in 2021 and the Gold at the AITC in 2023 for Nagaland Washing Station Natural Coffee. The rise of Nagaland coffee to international acclaim is a testament to the region’s dedication to quality. As Nagaland continues to focus on quality, its coffee stands poised to inspire other regions to elevate their coffee from a mere commodity to a specialty product.

By concentrating on selective cultivation, harvesting at peak ripeness, meticulous post-harvest processing, and maintaining rigorous quality control measures, coffee growers in Nagaland can consistently produce specialty coffee that captivates the world. As the global demand for high-quality, unique coffee experiences grows, Nagaland is poised to make a lasting impact on the specialty coffee landscape, showcasing the excellence that lies within its hills and valleys. Through this unwavering commitment, Nagaland is not just brewing coffee; it is crafting an experience that transcends taste, transforming lives, and reshaping the coffee landscape.