Northeast India Poised to Become the Next Saffron Hub: Mission Saffron Initiative Gains Momentum

Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that NECTAR must carve out a specialized niche to achieve national and international recognition.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced significant progress in the Mission Saffron initiative during his visit to Shillong. The initiative, launched in 2021, has successfully expanded saffron cultivation beyond Jammu and Kashmir’s Pampore, bringing large-scale production to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. Future plans include extending cultivation to Nagaland and Manipur, further transforming the agricultural landscape of Northeast India.

Mission Saffron: Unlocking Northeast India's Agricultural Potential

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that Mission Saffron strategically utilizes uncultivated land, maximizing agricultural productivity without affecting existing crops. This expansion aligns with the government’s broader vision of economic growth and self-reliance, using technology to enhance farming practices and create new economic opportunities in the region. Currently, major saffron cultivation hubs have emerged in Menchukha (Arunachal Pradesh) and Yuksom (Sikkim), with ongoing efforts to integrate additional northeastern states into the initiative.

Foundation Laid for NECTAR’s New Permanent Campus in Shillong

During the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone for the permanent campus of the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) in New Shillong. He emphasized that this new facility will serve as a centre of excellence for advanced technological applications, skill development, and research, fostering innovation in agriculture, drone technology, and other crucial sectors.

Rapid Transformation of the Northeast Under Modi Government Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the infrastructural transformation in Northeast India, noting significant improvements in road networks, railway connectivity, and aerial transport. “The development of the Northeast is one of Prime Minister Modi’s highest priorities. Compared to the pre-2014 era, the region now boasts robust infrastructure, enabling economic growth and scientific progress,” he stated.

He further pointed out that NECTAR, established in 2014, has played a vital role in integrating technological solutions for sustainable development. The institution’s initiatives include promoting saffron cultivation similar to the lavender revolution in Jammu and Kashmir, utilizing drone technology for land mapping under the ‘Swamitva’ program, and advancing bamboo and honey production.

NECTAR’s Role in Technology Application and Economic Growth

Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that NECTAR must carve out a specialized niche to achieve national and international recognition. He urged the organization to develop domain-specific expertise, similar to premier institutes like IITs. The newly planned permanent campus will focus on demonstrating cutting-edge technology, facilitating research collaborations, and bridging last-mile technological gaps in the region.

Northeast: The Next Frontier of India’s Economic Growth As India moves towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that the Northeast will play a crucial role in this transformation. “Value addition must come from regions like the Northeast, which were previously underutilized. This is the next frontier of India’s growth,” he remarked.

The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to empowering the Northeast through science, technology, and infrastructural advancements. With ongoing reforms and dedicated initiatives like Mission Saffron, the region is poised to become a major agricultural and technological hub, standing at par with the rest of India in its development trajectory.