Don’t limit Nagaland to Hornbill Festival: Scindia

Union minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Saturday underscored that Nagaland’s cultural depth, artistic excellence and rising economic potential merit far broader recognition than what is often captured through the Hornbill Festival alone.
Wrapping up his three-day visit to the State, Scindia told reporters at Dimapur airport that Nagaland should not be viewed solely through the prism of its iconic annual celebration, but appreciated for the rich heritage and promising sectors that define its identity.
He said Nagaland’s cultural wealth, skilled artisans, and natural produce offered an experience far richer than a single festival could represent. “It was not only the festival. The stone-pulling ceremony, the artisans I met, handloom, handicraft, blacksmiths—were an amazing experience,” he said. “The potential Nagaland has in its people, rich culture and heritage is something the world must come and experience. Please don’t limit Nagaland only to the Hornbill Festival.”
The minister stressed that Nagaland offered much that must be “lived and discovered”, not merely observed. Referring to his visit to Arabica and Robusta coffee plantations, he expressed admiration for the high quality of Naga coffee.
Drawing from his earlier stint as Commerce and Industry minister, Scindia said he was impressed by the State’s capability in the coffee sector. He noted that both the Ministry of Commerce and DoNER were looking seriously at developing Naga coffee. “Even the branding and packaging are nothing short of world-class,” he added.
Scindia welcomed the State government’s decision to identify coffee as Nagaland’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP), and credited chief minister Neiphiu Rio for prioritising it as a flagship sector. He said the Centre and State were collaborating on a coffee development project. “We have about 11,000 hectares under cultivation, and we want to look at a common processing centre, value addition, and ensuring more income for our coffee growers,” he said.
The minister also informed that his discussions with the chief minister over the past three days covered various developmental opportunities across sectors. “Many opportunities abound and much potential needs to be harnessed. I look forward to working closely with the Chief Minister and the people of Nagaland, with whom I have developed a very close bond,” Scindia added.