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SHILLONG: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said here on Thursday that Mission Saffron initiative, which was undertaken by the Modi Govt in 2021, has expanded saffron cultivation across Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. Large-scale cultivation is now underway in Menchukha (Arunachal Pradesh) and Yuksom (Sikkim), with plans to extend to Nagaland and Manipur, making the Northeast, India’s “Saffron Hub” like Jammu & Kashmir. The initiative strategically utilizes uncultivated land, enhancing agricultural potential without disrupting existing crops.
The Minister highlighted the government’s ambitious plans to turn the Northeast into India’s “Saffron Hub” like J&K, as he laid the foundation stone for the new permanent campus of the North East Centre for Technology Application & Reach (NECTAR) at Shillong. He emphasized that the region’s rapid transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has opened new opportunities for technological and agricultural advancements.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to the region, citing remarkable infrastructural and technological advancements in the past decade. He highlighted how initiatives such as expanded road networks, railway connectivity, and aerial transport have significantly improved accessibility to remote areas.
“The development of the Northeast is one of Prime Minister Modi’s highest priorities. If you compare the situation before 2014 and today, the transformation is evident. The Northeast, which once struggled with connectivity, now boasts robust infrastructure, making economic growth and scientific advancement possible,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said.
NECTAR, an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, was established in 2014. The Minister noted that its evolution aligns with the larger vision of fostering self-reliance and innovation in the region. He lauded NECTAR’s initiatives, including the promotion of saffron cultivation in the Northeast in the lines of Lavender cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir, drone technology for land mapping under the ‘Swamitva’ program, and advancements in bamboo and honey production.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted that NECTAR is actively working to resolve last-mile challenges in technology application and diffusion. The newly planned permanent campus in New Shillong will serve as a collaborative centre of excellence, facilitating state-of-the-art technology demonstration and skill development. NECTAR has been instrumental in addressing socio-economic gaps by integrating indigenous technological solutions, ensuring sustainable development in the region.
Expressing confidence in NECTAR’s potential, Dr. Jitendra Singh urged the institution to carve out a specialized identity in scientific research and application. “To gain pan-India recognition, NECTAR must focus on a dedicated domain. Just as IITs and other premier institutes have developed specializations, NECTAR too should work towards excelling in a specific field,” he said.
Reflecting on the region’s role in India’s growth story, Dr.Jitendra Singh asserted that the Northeast will be a key driver in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. “As India moves towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the value addition must come from regions like the Northeast, which were previously underutilized. This is the next frontier of India’s growth,” he remarked.
As the event concluded, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering the Northeast through science, technology, and infrastructural reforms, ensuring that the region stands at par with the rest of the country in India’s development trajectory.
