Black Pepper Cultivation in the Lesser-Known States of Northeast India

Introduction

India’s Northeast is emerging as a promising hub for organic black pepper cultivation. While Meghalaya and Assam often dominate headlines, lesser-known states like Tripura, Nagaland, and Mizoram are quietly establishing themselves as upcoming players in the organic spice economy. With ideal agro-climatic conditions and rich biodiversity, these regions offer fertile ground for scaling sustainable black pepper production.

Tripura: A Growing Leader in Pepper Cultivation

Tripura has shown strong promise in black pepper farming, particularly in regions like Dhalai and North Tripura. Here, black pepper is intercropped with arecanut and coconut, making efficient use of land and resources. With well-developed plantations, Tripura has the potential to produce over 4,500 metric tons of black pepper annually—positioning it as a significant contributor to India’s organic spice exports.

Nagaland: Efficiency Meets Elevation

In Nagaland, pepper cultivation spans more than 150 hectares across seven districts. Key areas like Mokokchung and Dimapur have shown strong productivity, with Kohima ranking among India’s most efficient districts for pepper production. With supportive agro-ecological zones and traditional farming knowledge, Nagaland holds the potential to become a high-quality organic pepper hub.

Mizoram: Emerging Organic Frontier

Mizoram’s pepper cultivation is still in early stages, with about 72 hectares currently under production. However, forward-looking farmers are already implementing organic practices, laying the groundwork for long-term scalability. The state’s undulating terrain and consistent rainfall provide ideal growing conditions for premium black pepper varieties.

Opportunities for Growth in the Northeast

These Northeastern states are uniquely positioned to scale organic black pepper exports from India. With appropriate market linkages, modern infrastructure, and sustainable farming inputs, the region could significantly enhance India’s global spice trade.

Organic Affair is playing an active role in this transformation—collaborating with tribal and small-scale farmers to build certified organic supply chains that ensure traceability, quality, and fair pricing.

Addressing Key Challenges

Despite their potential, these regions face challenges such as high initial investment, limited access to modern farming technology, and inadequate market connections. However, solutions like Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), organic certification programs, and government-supported infrastructure can bridge these gaps.

At Organic Affair, we work directly with farmers, offering support in certification, training, and market access. Our goal is to empower local communities while delivering clean, organic, and sustainable black pepper to the world.