Coffee USP Project: NEC Secretary makes ground assessment
REGIONAL: Secretary of the North Eastern Council (NEC), Satinder Kumar Bhalla, visited Tuophema Village in Nagaland to assess the progress of coffee cultivation and relevant infrastructure under the Coffee USP Project. His inspection included coffee plantation sites and the Hi-Tech Coffee Washing Station, where he interacted with local coffee growers and members of the Tuophema Cluster.
Bhalla underscored the Indian government's commitment to advancing the welfare of its citizens and highlighted that the Chief Ministers of the North Eastern States have collaboratively developed strategies to enhance farmers' incomes. He described the Coffee USP Project as more than just a cultivation effort; it aims to serve as a comprehensive livelihood and economic development initiative that promotes sustainable practices and economic autonomy for villages and clusters in the region.
The overarching goal is to foster sustainable livelihoods that grant access to better education, healthcare and improved living standards, aligning with the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
He emphasized that coffee sector development extends beyond merely planting trees; success in the industry requires robust road infrastructure, advanced processing technology, effective post-harvest systems, quality assurance, and strong market and export connections. Bhalla conveyed optimism that the project would significantly elevate the income of farmers and communities, stressing that achieving this vision necessitates a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, including the Government of India, Nagaland state officials, the Coffee Board, local administration, farmers, technical institutions and private sector partners.
Further, he urged the Government of Nagaland and the Coffee Board to collaborate with central agricultural institutions to explore suitable intercrops and complementary agricultural practices that could be integrated into coffee cultivation. Such diversification is expected to not only enhance land productivity but also provide farmers with additional income streams establishing economic viability of coffee farming.
Addressing challenges faced by coffee growers, Bhalla assured that opportunities for water management, mechanization, and the adoption of new technologies would be explored. He encouraged local authorities to engage industrial partners, investors and exporters to facilitate mechanization and automation within the coffee sector through suitable financial and institutional arrangements.
Bhalla acknowledged the role of youth in developing the coffee industry, commending Vibei Kense, the youngest coffee grower, for obtaining specialized certification in Vietnam, which contributes to local expertise and strengthens the regional coffee ecosystem. He urged both the older and younger generations to prioritize sustainable livelihoods and opportunities for future growth.
In a parallel dialogue, Y Kikheto Sema, Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner of Nagaland, recounted the history of coffee cultivation in Nagaland, noting the sector's origins in 1981 but highlighting its unrealized potential due to limited awareness and market linkages. He encouraged farmers to embrace a diverse farming approach, incorporating black pepper and other crops alongside coffee where feasible. This strategy aims to enhance farm income and create job opportunities for local youth.
During the visit, Village Council Chairman Pfuduolhou Kense, representing the Tuophema Cluster's coffee growers, expressed gratitude and welcomed the visiting officials, reaffirming the local community's commitment to the development initiatives presented.