Kohima: The North Eastern Council (NEC) has conducted a pre-investment assessment of two coffee-growing clusters in Nagaland as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s emerging coffee sector under the Mission Coffee initiative.
Dr Sentitula, IFS, Director of Tourism and Industries at the NEC under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), visited the Ghotovi cluster in Niuland district and the Tuophema cluster in Kohima district on June 22 and 23 to assess infrastructure and plantation readiness under the “Cluster-Based Coffee Value Chain Development in Nagaland” project.
According to officials, the project aims to develop an integrated coffee value chain covering production, processing, value addition, branding and market access, while promoting Nagaland as a producer of specialty single-origin organic coffee.
Accompanied by officials from the Nagaland Department of Land Resources, Dr Sentitula inspected plantation sites, proposed processing facilities and nursery infrastructure in both clusters.
At the Ghotovi cluster, she interacted with farmers, village leaders and stakeholders from Nihokhu, Nikhekhu, Kuhoxu, Niuland, Hovishe and Ghotovi villages. Discussions focused on the project’s potential to enhance rural livelihoods, improve agricultural productivity and promote sustainable land-use practices through commercial coffee cultivation.
“The Ghotovi Cluster represents a transformative opportunity for Nagaland’s coffee sector. Strong community participation, coupled with scientific cultivation practices and modern processing infrastructure, can help establish the region as a producer of premium single-origin coffee while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities,” Dr Sentitula said.
In the Tuophema cluster, she visited Gariphema Bawe village, where coffee plantations are being developed using intercropping practices with avocado and black pepper. She also inspected proposed sites for Coffee Washing Stations and a hi-tech coffee nursery intended to support future expansion of coffee cultivation in the region.
The visit included inspections of newly established plantations in Tuophema and Tseimekhuma villages, as well as a review of infrastructure planned to support coffee processing and seedling production.
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During the assessment, the NEC director emphasised the need for compliance with operational and financial guidelines before project funds are released. She directed the implementing department to ensure the formation of community institutions, execution of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), opening of dedicated bank accounts and adoption of prescribed plantation management practices.
Officials said the initiative seeks to create a sustainable coffee ecosystem in Nagaland by integrating production, processing, value addition and rural entrepreneurship, while expanding market opportunities for local growers.
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