Northeast India Set to Become Saffron Hub
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the expansion of the Mission Saffron initiative, aimed at boosting saffron cultivation in Northeast India. The initiative, which began in 2021, is now seeing large-scale cultivation in Menchukha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Yuksom, Sikkim, with plans to extend to Nagaland and Manipur. This strategic move is expected to transform the region into India’s next saffron hub, following the renowned Pampore region in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mission Saffron: A Game Changer for Agriculture
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural potential in the Northeast through the Mission Saffron initiative. By utilizing uncultivated land, the initiative aims to increase saffron production without interfering with existing crops. The Minister laid the foundation stone for the new permanent campus of the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) in Shillong, highlighting the government’s vision to transform the region into a center for technological and agricultural advancements.
He pointed out that the rapid development of infrastructure, including improved road networks and railway connectivity, has significantly enhanced accessibility to remote areas. “The development of the Northeast is one of Prime Minister Modi’s highest priorities,” Dr. Singh stated, noting the stark contrast in the region’s connectivity and infrastructure since 2014. This transformation is expected to facilitate economic growth and scientific innovation, positioning the Northeast as a vital contributor to India’s agricultural landscape.
NECTAR’s Role in Technological Advancement
NECTAR, established in 2014 as an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, plays a crucial role in promoting self-reliance and innovation in the Northeast. Dr. Singh praised NECTAR’s initiatives, which include the promotion of saffron cultivation, drone technology for land mapping, and advancements in bamboo and honey production. These efforts align with the broader goal of integrating indigenous technological solutions to address socio-economic challenges in the region. The Minister also highlighted NECTAR’s commitment to resolving last-mile challenges in technology application. The new campus in Shillong is set to become a center of excellence, facilitating technology demonstration and skill development. Dr. Singh urged NECTAR to carve out a specialized identity in scientific research, similar to prestigious institutions like IITs, to gain national recognition and contribute significantly to the region’s development.
A Vision for the Future
Reflecting on the Northeast’s potential, Dr. Jitendra Singh asserted that the region will be pivotal in India’s growth journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. He emphasized that as India aims to become the world’s third-largest economy, the Northeast must play a crucial role in value addition, leveraging its previously underutilized resources.
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