In the heart of Nagaland, Juro Coffee House is making waves with its European cafe vibe and a commitment to local coffee culture. Located just off National Highway-2, this cafe stands out with its high ceilings and inviting decor. It features a live roastery unit that began operations in January, thanks to support from the Nagaland state government. Here, coffee lovers can enjoy freshly roasted beans sourced from 12 districts in the state, showcasing the journey from farm to cup.
On an average day, Juro Coffee House attracts around a hundred customers who savor their brews while taking short breaks outside. While this number might seem modest, it marks a promising start for the local coffee scene. For many years, Nagaland has faced challenges due to armed conflict and economic instability, which have overshadowed its potential.
Traditionally, the economy of Nagaland relied heavily on agriculture, with crops like paddy and fruits taking center stage. However, a new wave of cafes, roasteries, and farms is emerging, aiming to redefine the state’s identity through coffee production. Coffee was first introduced to Nagaland in 1981, but it wasn’t until after 2014 that it began to flourish, driven by government support and a group of passionate young entrepreneurs.
Searon Yanthan, the founder of Juro Coffee House, sees coffee as a way to inspire the youth of Nagaland. His journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when many young people returned home. Yanthan, who had been studying and working away, found himself back at his family farm, where his father had started growing coffee in 2015. During his time there, he realized that many farmers lacked knowledge about the quality of their beans, which was surprising given that coffee is not a common drink in Nagaland.
In 2021, Yanthan launched Lithanro Coffee, the parent company of Juro. He began collaborating with local farmers to improve coffee quality and processing methods. Today, he sources beans from about 200 farmers, fostering a sense of community in the coffee industry.
The turning point for Nagaland’s coffee industry came in 2015 when the state government took charge of coffee development. This shift allowed better access to resources and support for farmers, including free saplings and equipment for processing coffee. As a result, the number of coffee farms in Nagaland has grown significantly, with nearly 250 farms now operating across over 10,700 hectares.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Many farmers still rely on traditional farming methods, which can harm the environment. The quality of coffee beans is also inconsistent, and more infrastructure is needed to support processing and marketing.
Entrepreneurs like Lichan Humtsoe, who founded Ete Coffee in 2016, are working to elevate the coffee scene in Nagaland. Ete has established cafes, roasteries, and even a coffee school to train the next generation of coffee professionals. Humtsoe believes that coffee can be a means of self-determination for Nagaland, moving away from dependency on government jobs.
As the coffee industry in Nagaland continues to grow, there is hope for the future. Local coffee has already gained recognition, winning awards at international competitions. However, for Nagaland to compete globally, it must focus on improving the quality of its beans and processing methods.
With a shared vision among farmers and entrepreneurs, the future of Naga coffee looks bright. They are determined to build a brand that represents the land and its people, aiming to put Nagaland on the map for high-quality coffee production.