Guwahati, March 13: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh today announced the expansion of the Mission Saffron initiative across Northeast India.

Since its launch in 2021, the program has already made significant strides in boosting 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, positioning the region as the next saffron hub after Jammu and Kashmir’s Pampore.

Speaking at an event in Shillong, where he laid the foundation stone for the new permanent campus of the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), Dr. Jitendra Singh explained how Mission Saffron strategically utilizes uncultivated land in the Northeast, enabling agricultural growth without disturbing existing crops. He highlighted that this initiative is a part of the government’s larger vision to transform the region’s agricultural landscape and enhance its economic potential.

“Mission Saffron is a prime example of how the government is working to diversify agricultural practices and create new avenues for economic growth in the Northeast. By utilizing uncultivated land, we’re able to promote saffron cultivation without affecting the existing farming ecosystem,” said Dr. Singh.

Dr. Singh also underscored the government’s commitment to transforming the region under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He pointed to the significant infrastructural advancements in the last decade, noting that the rapid development of road networks, railway connectivity, and aerial transport has drastically 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. Singh added.

The minister emphasized the role of NECTAR, an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, which was established in 2014. He commended NECTAR’s work in promoting saffron cultivation in the Northeast, alongside other initiatives like drone technology for land mapping under the ‘Swamitva’ program, and advancements in bamboo and honey production. He also noted that NECTAR was addressing last-mile challenges in technology application, with a focus on integrating indigenous technological solutions to drive sustainable development.

“The newly planned permanent campus in New Shillong will serve as a collaborative center of excellence, where state-of-the-art technology demonstrations and skill development initiatives will take place. NECTAR has the potential to become a hub for scientific research and innovation in the region,” Dr. Singh stated.

Dr. Singh encouraged NECTAR to carve out a specialized identity in scientific research and application, similar to premier institutes like IITs, in order to gain pan-India recognition. “To excel, NECTAR must focus on a specific domain. Specialization will help establish its identity in the scientific community,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, Dr. Singh asserted that the Northeast will play a key role in India’s economic future, particularly as the country moves towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2047. He stressed that the Northeast’s untapped potential in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and infrastructure will be essential in driving India’s growth.

“As India moves towards becoming a developed nation, the Northeast must contribute significantly. This region, which has historically been underutilized, holds the key to India’s next phase of growth,” Dr. Singh said.

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