NORTH-EASTERN STATES (ARUNACHAL PRADESH, ASSAM, MANIPUR, MIZORAM, NAGALAND)

NORTH-EASTERN STATES (ARUNACHAL PRADESH, ASSAM, MANIPUR, MIZORAM, NAGALAND)

     The north-eastern states of India—including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland—represent an emerging frontier for coffee cultivation. Coffee farming in these regions is largely undertaken by smallholder farmers, with plantations situated at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1,500 meters above sea level. The combination of hilly terrain, fertile soils, and a humid, subtropical climate creates favourable conditions for growing high-quality Arabica beans, even though the total production volumes remain relatively limited compared to southern India.

      Coffees from the northeast are notable for their distinctive cup profiles, often exhibiting floral aromas, bright acidity, and delicate fruity notes, which distinguish them from the earthier and chocolaty flavours typical of southern Indian coffees. Many farmers here employ shade-grown practices and are beginning to adopt sustainable and organic farming methods to improve bean quality and market value.

      While still small in scale, the north-eastern coffee sector is attracting attention from specialty roasters and exporters, with potential for growth as infrastructure, technical support, and cooperative networks improve. These emerging regions are gradually positioning themselves as a source of unique, high-altitude Arabica that add diversity and distinction to India’s overall coffee portfolio.

       India’s coffee regions are defined by high-altitude Arabica in the southern Western Ghats, lower-altitude Robusta in humid lowlands, and unique specialty pockets in Kerala and the northeast. The combination of volcanic soils, tropical monsoon climate, and shade-grown practices creates coffees with distinctive flavours ranging from nutty and chocolaty to floral, fruity, and low-acid profiles, giving India a diverse and globally recognized coffee identity.