Minister says region’s scientific infrastructure has expanded rapidly under Modi government; inaugurates advanced Geo-Informatics Lab at NECTAR in Shillong.
Shillong, July 14: Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said the Northeast has undergone a major transformation in scientific infrastructure over the past decade, citing a six-fold increase in weather radars and a doubling of seismological observatories as evidence of the Centre’s push to strengthen disaster preparedness and technology-led development in the region.
Speaking after reviewing science and technology institutions at the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) in Shillong, the minister said the Northeast had only two weather radars before 2014—including just one in Meghalaya, despite Cherrapunji being among the wettest places on Earth. Today, the region has 13 weather radars, significantly improving weather forecasting and early warning capabilities.
He also said the number of seismological observatories has increased from 84 to 171, while lightning detection stations, which did not exist in the region earlier, have now been established in Meghalaya and Tripura.
Describing the expansion as an effort to correct years of neglect, Singh said the investments reflect the government’s focus on strengthening scientific preparedness in a region that is highly vulnerable to earthquakes, landslides, floods and extreme weather.
The minister inaugurated NECTAR’s state-of-the-art Geo-Informatics Laboratory, equipped with advanced drones, LiDAR and hyperspectral imaging systems, and reviewed the progress of several science and technology initiatives being implemented across the Northeast.
Calling NECTAR a key driver of technology-led development, Singh said scientific research should translate into tangible benefits for farmers, entrepreneurs and rural communities rather than remain confined to laboratories.
Among the technologies showcased was a Mobile Food Processing Unit, developed jointly by NECTAR and the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI). The mobile unit enables farmers to process agricultural produce at the farm gate, helping add value to crops, reduce post-harvest losses and create livelihood opportunities.
The minister also reviewed the Vasundhara Soil Organic Carbon Detection Laboratory-cum-Manufacturing Unit, established under the PM-DevINE programme using technology developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). The facility provides on-site soil testing and scientific recommendations to farmers. Officials informed him that around 2,500 farmers have already received soil testing kits, with the initiative expected to contribute to a comprehensive soil health database for the region.
Singh also visited NECTAR’s STEM Education Laboratory, where school students are being introduced to robotics, coding, artificial intelligence and 3D printing. The initiative aims to establish 50 STEM laboratories across five northeastern states in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, benefiting nearly 25,000 students, particularly in remote areas.
The newly inaugurated Geo-Informatics Laboratory has already been used to map more than 2,000 sq km for projects related to forest carbon assessment, biodiversity conservation, mining restoration and disaster resilience. Drone-based mapping has also supported over 700 villages under the SVAMITVA Scheme and scientific organic farming projects involving nearly 25,000 farmers under PM-DevINE.
Highlighting NECTAR’s emphasis on skill development, the minister said the institution has trained 569 drone technicians, 247 GIS and remote sensing professionals, 107 certified drone pilots, and more than 4,500 students in emerging technologies. According to officials, these programmes have created livelihood opportunities for over 190 youth from the Northeast.
Singh also reviewed progress on NECTAR’s permanent campus at New Shillong, which is expected to become a regional hub for research, technology incubation, geospatial science and innovation.
He expressed confidence that NECTAR would continue to play a leading role in applying technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence and geospatial mapping to address the Northeast’s unique developmental challenges while contributing to the country’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
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