Naga legislators to show way for coffee plantation
Neiba Kronu, Namri Nchang and Dr Longrineken during interaction with media persons in Kohima. (Morung Photo)
Coffee shop in all districts of Nagaland
Chizokho Vero
Kohima | February 23
Good news for coffee growers. Three Naga legislators Neiba Kronu from 16 Pfütsero A/C, Namri Nchang from 6 Tenning A/C and Dr Longrineken from 29 Jangpetkong A/C have taken steps to establish coffee nurseries in their respective areas to encourage coffee plantation in Nagaland.
This development came after their visit to Myanmar and Laos in 2019 to study the method of coffee plantation for tourism and infrastructure promotion.
“Earlier, we do not experiment anything and just encourage the farmers and that is why our farmers have been discouraged. But now, we ourselves are involved and started doing on the ground to encourage our farmers,” said Kronu, who is Minister for Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs.
Interacting with media persons along with Nchang and Dr Longrineken at his official residence here Saturday, the minister said “When we assess the world market, we are of the opinion that coffee and honey can do very well in Nagaland.
Nagaland can produce the finest coffee- ‘Specialty Coffee’ i.e. Grade A and B, the minister said.
The production of honey is also viable for the state, as Nagaland possesses rich biodiversity.
“If we can call our land, the land of coffee and honey, then a lot of tourists will come to see how we grow coffee and bee-keeping and other agricultural activities,” the minister said, adding “and in return, it would boost the economy of the state.”
Bamboo plantation, Areca nut and Black Pepper would also do well in Nagaland, he said.
Kronu said that it was time talk about how to improve the economy of the state and what the state can give to the international market.
He said that Nagaland is considered to be having one of the youngest soils in the world, and thus, anything can grow.
Coffee shop in all districts
Kronu announced that the state government has decided to set up Coffee Shop in all districts to familiarize people with the use of coffee.
He said that Rs 2 crore has been earmarked to increase the production of coffee nurseries during 2020-21 in Nagaland.
Kronu said the government would also approach North East Council to back coffee plantation in Nagaland.
“Nursery production has to go in a big scale,” he said and assured that the government will try to give sufficient saplings to the genuine farmers.
Dr Longrineken, Advisor for National Highways and Treasuries & Account said “Our land is so fertile. We do not need chemicals. We can grow any type of vegetables in Nagaland.”
He said that his village Khar, is now ranked as one of the highest coffee production places in the state. It produces 4000 to 5000 kg of coffee out of the entire state’s 7000 to 8000 kg.
“Coffee is one of the items which can boost our state economy,” he said.
Nchang, advisor Water Resources Nagaland also praised the quality of the soil and remarked that once the educated unemployed youth get involved in the farming activities, Nagaland can become one of the fastest growing economy state in the country.
7996.2 ha under coffee plantation in Nagaland
Nagaland’s land resources department in collaboration with Coffee Board of India has assisted farmers to develop around 1816.2 ha during 2019-20.
Presently, the area under coffee plantation stands at 7996.2 ha covering all districts of Nagaland.
The department has intended 2, 320 kg of seed coffee to raise approximately 46, 40,000 saplings that would cover an approximate area of 2, 017.03 ha during 2020-21.
There is immense scope and potential for coffee plantation in the state owing to the favorable soil and climatic conditions. Coffee is also emerging as a viable alternative to shifting cultivation.
