Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang inaugurating “Nagaland Gold CTC Black Tea” at Atoqa Tea Factory, Nikhekhu village, Niuland, on October 24.
Niuland, October 26 (MExN): The Atoqa Tea Company Limited, based at Nikhekhu village, Niuland, officially launched its latest product “Nagaland Gold CTC Black Tea” under its brand “Northeast Brews” at the Atoqa Tea Factory and Estate premises on October 24. The product was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland and Minister for Planning and Transformation, T R Zeliang.
According to a press release from the company, Zeliang also visited the factory’s manufacturing unit and encouraged the team by emphasizing that marketing was crucial to sustaining any industrial venture. He noted that such innovative initiatives would motivate other local agro-based manufacturing units and help strengthen the State’s economy.
The event was held in the presence of Advisor for Industry and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu; Advisor for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Kajeto Kinimi; Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, S Keyoshu Yimchunger; MLA Beni M Lamthiu; and a host of other dignitaries.
Atoqa Tea Factory, the first 5 lakh kg CTC tea unit licensed by the Tea Board of India in the region, was commissioned in 2021 within its 150-acre tea estate. It is a bought-leaf factory (BLF) supporting 160 small tea farmers across approximately 800 acres of plantation spread over 11 surrounding villages.
The company stated that the specialty of its “Nagaland Gold” brand lies in being a single-origin, high-grown tea produced at 1,500–2,000 feet elevation along the foothills. Its unique taste, influenced by the humid climate and fertile soil adjacent to the Golaghat belt—renowned globally for its rich and strong liquor—adds to its distinction. The company added that consumers can now experience a “farm-to-cup” product within 14 days, compared to longer processing times and multiple blending stages seen in other brands.
K Awomi, General Manager (Operations), informed that the product would soon be available on retail shelves across Nagaland and other Northeastern states through the company’s marketing division.
He added that future plans include promoting destination events and tea tourism in the estate area through guided factory tours, tea tasting sessions, trekking, boating, angling, tea safari tours, and educational visits.
The company aims to foster sustainable rural livelihoods by integrating tourism and local economic development. Awomi highlighted that the estate aspires to become a must-visit destination in Dimapur, especially during the Hornbill Festival. He also noted that during November and December, Nikhekhu village serves as a roosting area for the migratory Amur falcons, further enhancing its appeal for tourists.
