Nagaland coffee will now focus on developing better quality post harvesting process so that the state could aim for a good organic flavored coffee.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Nagaland Coffee has been awarded the Silver Plaque for securing 4th Position in Coffee Criteria in 2021 contest during the third annual Aurora International Taste Challenge.
The challenge took place at the end of September last year near Stellenbosch South Africa to celebrate and pay tribute to universal food quality.
Addressing media persons in Kohima on Wednesday, Director, Noble Cause Pvt Ltd based in South Africa and Managing Director, Naga Coffee Pvt Ltd India, Dr. Pieter Vermeulen, said Nagaland coffee won the award in the criteria for “blended black coffee”.
He said that Thailand, South America and different estates participated in the challenge. He added that for Nagaland, it was a great achievement to see all processes developed through the years starting to get recognition.
Stating that to establish oneself in coffee market takes many years, Dr. Pieter said that in seven years, Nagaland has achieved something from nothing and it was remarkable.
He said the company would now focus on developing better quality post harvesting process so that the state could aim for a good organic flavored coffee.
Adding that Coffee is the second highest traded commodity in the world and most consumed products, Dr. Pieter said to get a benchmark and improve on Coffee production is the way forward for the state.
Director, Land Resource Department, A Pangjung Jamir, while expressing his happiness said he did not expect such an international award.
He said coffee promotion started in the state in 2014-15 with the aim to encourage the farmers to invest in coffee plantation and uplift the rural economy. The plantation coverage in the state is more than 9000 hectares.