Nagaland Emerges as a New Coffee Hub with Promising Beans and Brews
In recent years, Nagaland has emerged as a vibrant axis of coffee culture in India, marked by the development of local businesses and innovative agricultural practices. Juro Coffee House, located strategically off India’s National Highway-2—which connects the northeastern states of Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur—stands as a testament to this shift. Decorated in chic brown and turquoise hues reminiscent of European cafes, Juro Coffee House also features a live roastery unit, which began operations in January 2023 and is supported by the Nagaland state government. Here, green coffee beans sourced from 12 districts of Nagaland are roasted, ground, and brewed, embodying the ethos of farm-to-cup.
While the café receives around a hundred customers each day, it is indicative of the burgeoning interest in home-grown coffee amongst locals and visitors alike. Historically, Nagaland’s political backdrop, marked by an armed rebellion advocating for secession from India, positioned the state in a state of turmoil. Nonetheless, recent initiatives are steering the conversation toward economic development and community resilience through agriculture, particularly coffee cultivation.
The introduction of coffee in Nagaland traces back to 1981 courtesy of the Coffee Board of India. However, it wasn’t until 2014, spurred by supportive government policies and entrepreneurial energy, that coffee cultivation truly gained traction. Presently, Nagaland boasts around 250 coffee farms occupying over 10,700 hectares across 11 districts, involving approximately 9,500 farmers. Establishments such as Juro Coffee House are paving the way for a new coffee identity in the region, with cafes sprouting in cities like Dimapur and Kohima, as well as in rural areas like Mokokchung and Mon.
Searon Yanthan, the founder of Juro Coffee House, credits the COVID-19 pandemic with catalyzing new opportunities. The return of Naga youth from urban centers during the pandemic brought fresh ideas and renewed commitment to enhancing local agriculture. Yanthan’s venture, Lithanro Coffee, not only emphasizes coffee quality but also fosters a collaborative spirit among farmers. This change is crucial in a region where traditional aspirations lean heavily toward government employment.
The transformation of Nagaland’s coffee sector is undeniably tied to the region’s agricultural heritage. Previously reliant on subsistence farming practices, the shift toward coffee cultivation offers local communities a path to economic independence and self-sustainability. Encouragingly, the government has prioritized investments in infrastructure, providing essential resources such as coffee pulpers and support for post-harvest processing.
While challenges persist, particularly concerning quality control and the cohabitation of traditional agricultural practices, the innovations underway suggest a promising future. In 2024, India’s coffee exports surpassed billion for the first time, with Nagaland’s contributions increasingly recognized on the national stage. Local initiatives have won accolades, propelling Nagaland further into the global coffee spotlight.
As Nagaland’s coffee culture develops, its identity intertwines with broader economic ambitions, offering hope to many who aspire for a prosperous future beyond conventional job markets. The state’s leaders and entrepreneurs are poised to leverage this shift, making strides toward sustainable practices while honoring the rich agricultural tapestry of the region.
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