Northeast to be India’s ‘Saffron Hub’ like J&K: Dr Jitendra

Shillong, Mar 14: In a major boost for the agricultural landscape of Northeast India, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh announced the expansion of the Mission Saffron initiative during a foundation stone-laying ceremony for the new permanent campus of the North East Centre for Technology Application & Reach (NECTAR) in Shillong. The initiative, launched in 2021 by the Modi government, aims to elevate saffron cultivation across Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya, positioning the region as India’s equivalent of Jammu & Kashmir for saffron production.
Large-scale cultivation is underway in Menchukha (Arunachal Pradesh) and Yuksom (Sikkim), with future plans to extend the initiative to Nagaland and Manipur. Dr Singh emphasized that the mission strategically employs uncultivated land, enhancing agricultural productivity without interfering with existing crops.
“The development of the Northeast is one of Prime Minister Modi’s highest priorities. Comparing the infrastructure and connectivity before 2014 to today’s advancements is a testament to our commitment to this region,” Dr Singh said, adding that improved road networks, railway connectivity and aerial transport have significantly enhanced accessibility to remote areas, paving the way for economic growth in the region.
NECTAR, established in 2014 as an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, plays a crucial role in fostering self-reliance and innovation. Dr Singh praised NECTAR for its initiatives, including the promotion of saffron cultivation mimicking the successful Lavender program in Jammu and Kashmir, the application of drone technology for land mapping through the ‘Swamitva’ initiative, and advancements in bamboo and honey production.
Highlighting the need for technological advancements in the region, the Union Minister urged NECTAR to carve out a specialized identity in scientific research. He called for the institution to focus on excelling in specific fields, akin to IITs and other premier institutes, to gain national recognition.
“As NECTAR develops its new campus in Shillong, it will serve as a center for state-of-the-art technology demonstrations and skill development, bridging socio-economic gaps and ensuring sustainable development through indigenous solutions,” he asserted.
The Mission Saffron initiative and NECTAR’s new campus mark significant steps towards transforming the Northeast into India’s agricultural and technological hub, with a focus on sustainable development and economic self-sufficiency.