NEC Secretary Promises Support for Nagaland's Coffee Farmers
Support for Coffee Farmers in Nagaland
NEC Secretary Satinder Kumar Bhalla (5th from left) during his visit to a coffee plantation site at Touphema village in Kohima district on Friday
Dimapur, Oct 4: Satinder Kumar Bhalla, the Secretary of the North Eastern Council (NEC), has pledged to address key concerns of coffee farmers in Nagaland, including water conservation, mechanization, and the introduction of new technologies and equipment.
He emphasized the importance of local authorities collaborating with major industrial firms, investors, and exporters to facilitate mechanization and automation in the coffee industry through suitable financial and institutional support.
During his visit to Tuophema village in Kohima district, Bhalla reviewed the advancements in coffee cultivation and infrastructure under the Coffee USP Project.
His tour included inspections of coffee plantations and a Hi-Tech Coffee Washing Station, where he engaged with coffee growers and members of the Tuophema cluster.
Bhalla highlighted that the Coffee USP Project aims to be more than just a plantation effort; it is designed as a comprehensive livelihood and economic development initiative that empowers villages and communities to maximize the benefits from their natural and human resources.
He pointed out that the overarching goal is to foster sustainable livelihoods, enabling communities to access improved education, healthcare, modern amenities, and an enhanced quality of life.
Bhalla noted that coffee development extends beyond merely planting coffee trees.
“For the sector to thrive commercially and competitively, it necessitates good road infrastructure, modern processing equipment, effective post-harvest systems, quality assurance, value addition, and robust market and export connections,” he remarked.
He expressed hope that the project would lead to a significant rise in the income of farmers and their communities.
Bhalla stressed that achieving these goals would require a collaborative effort from the Government of India, the Nagaland Government, the Coffee Board, local authorities, farmers, technical institutions, and the private sector.
He also mentioned that the Chief Ministers of the North Eastern States have jointly developed strategies to help farmers significantly boost their earnings.
Bhalla urged the Nagaland Government and the Coffee Board to collaborate with relevant Central agricultural institutions to explore suitable intercrops and complementary agricultural practices that could be integrated into coffee plantations. This diversification would enhance land productivity and provide farmers with additional income sources, thereby strengthening the economic sustainability of coffee farming.