Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday called for coordinated efforts to expand coffee cultivation across the northeastern state, raise productivity and bean quality, and increase growers’ incomes by strengthening the sector’s value chain. Speaking at the inaugural “Hills to Cup” Coffee Workshop in Itanagar, he said the state has ample scope to become a significant coffee-producing region.
According to data available with the Agriculture Department, coffee is currently cultivated on only about 600 hectares in Arunachal Pradesh. Although cultivation began nearly five decades ago, Khandu said the crop’s potential had remained insufficiently promoted. The workshop, organised by the Coffee Board of India with the state Agriculture Department, brought together growers, young entrepreneurs, technical experts and other stakeholders.
Khandu said the state government was considering policy interventions to support coffee growers and entrepreneurs. A three-member delegation comprising agriculture officials, a retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Corporation will visit Andhra Pradesh and other states to study their coffee-growing practices and development models.
The workshop is expected to identify technical gaps and challenges facing growers, after which Coffee Board experts will submit recommendations to the state government. “As they recommend, the state government will extend full support to you in the coming days,” Khandu assured participants.
Although several agricultural and horticultural schemes have been introduced over the past five to six years, the coffee sector has yet to receive a dedicated policy. Khandu said he would follow up with the Coffee Board to identify measures needed to guide and support the industry. A substantial portion of the state’s existing coffee plantation is managed by the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Corporation in eastern Arunachal.
Khandu said the state’s fertile land, varied agro-climatic conditions and multiple climatic zones provide a strong foundation for expansion. He stressed that increasing cultivation area alone would not be enough; the state must also improve yields per hectare, coffee quality and farmers’ earnings through processing, value addition and stronger market links.
The Chief Minister also described coffee as a promising opportunity for young entrepreneurs, particularly as Arunachal Pradesh’s expanding tourism sector creates demand for locally produced coffee. He encouraged young people to consider cultivation, processing and related businesses as avenues for employment and entrepreneurship.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/10/03/cm-pema-khandu-calls-for-expanding-coffee-cultivation-boosting-growers-income-in-arunachal/
Category: News Alert,REGIONAL
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-10-03 21:38:00
