Synopsis
The government is focused on transforming the Northeast into India's next saffron hub, as part of the Mission Saffron initiative, which enhances agricultural potential while improving local infrastructure, said Union Minister Jitendra Singh.Key Takeaways
- Northeast to become India’s next saffron hub.
- Mission Saffron initiative expands cultivation.
- Large-scale farming in Menchukha and Yuksom.
- NECTAR's role in promoting innovation.
- Infrastructure development is a government priority.
New Delhi, March 14 (NationPress) The Northeast region plays a vital role in India’s aspiration for a Viksit Bharat, and it is set to emerge as the nation’s next saffron hub, stated Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh.
Singh mentioned that since its inception in 2021, the government’s Mission Saffron initiative has broadened saffron cultivation across Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
“Extensive farming is currently in progress in Menchukha (Arunachal Pradesh) and Yuksom (Sikkim), with aspirations to expand to Nagaland and Manipur, thereby positioning the Northeast as India’s next saffron hub following Pampore in Jammu and Kashmir,” he noted.
This initiative strategically employs uncultivated land, boosting agricultural potential while ensuring existing crops remain unaffected.
For this ambitious plan, Singh laid the foundation stone for a new permanent campus of the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) in Shillong.
NECTAR, an autonomous organization under the Department of Science and Technology, was established in 2014. The Minister emphasized that its development is in line with the overarching vision of promoting self-reliance and innovation in the region.
He commended NECTAR’s efforts, which include the promotion of saffron cultivation in the Northeast similar to Lavender cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir, the use of drone technology for land mapping under the ‘Swamitva’ program, and advancements in bamboo and honey production.
Expressing confidence in NECTAR’s capabilities, Singh encouraged the institution to establish a distinct identity in scientific research and application.
“To achieve recognition across India, NECTAR must concentrate on a specialized area. Just as IITs and other prominent institutions have honed their specializations, NECTAR should strive for excellence in a particular domain,” he stated.
Additionally, Singh asserted that “the government is fully committed to the region,” highlighting the significant infrastructural and technological progress made over the past decade.
He pointed out that initiatives such as enhanced road networks, railway links, and aerial transport have substantially improved access to remote regions.
“The development of the Northeast stands as one of Prime Minister Modi’s top priorities. Comparing the situation before 2014 to the present showcases a remarkable transformation. The Northeast, once grappling with connectivity issues, now features robust infrastructure, paving the way for economic growth and scientific progress,” Singh remarked.
“The Northeast is poised to be a crucial force in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
“As India aspires to become the world’s third-largest economy, Singh affirmed, “the region represents the next frontier of India's growth.”
