Guwahati: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office, highlighted the transformative impact of the Aroma Mission in the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir, describing it as a model of integrated development. Speaking virtually at the inauguration of the Incubation & Innovation Complex (IICON) of CSIR-NEIST during the North East Aroma Conclave 2025, Dr. Singh emphasized the untapped potential of these regions in contributing to India’s economy.
Dr. Singh underlined the Aroma Mission as a convergence of flagship government programs, including StartUp India, MSME support, rural development, and agricultural advancements. “This single initiative represents the spirit of convergence that the Modi Government has championed,” he stated, noting that the mission goes beyond agriculture and science to foster startups, self-help groups, and MSMEs while boosting farmers’ income and employment opportunities.
At the conclave, agreements were distributed to 25 startups, entrepreneurs, NGOs, and self-help groups, empowering them to utilize the cutting-edge facilities at IICON for fostering economic growth and innovation in the region.
Dr. Singh highlighted that the mission has significantly advanced the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants, bringing new opportunities to regions like the Northeast. Over 27 facilities established at CSIR-NEIST are supporting entrepreneurs and startups in sectors like essential oils and medicinal plants. He cited the success of lavender cultivation in Jammu & Kashmir as a blueprint for replicating similar progress in the Northeast.
Under the mission, CSIR-NEIST has introduced aromatic crops such as citronella, lemongrass, patchouli, and chamomile across more than 5,000 hectares, benefiting over 10,000 farmers. Additionally, the institute has set up 39 essential oil distillation units and plans to distribute 1 lakh agarwood saplings in the coming year, aiming to establish the region as a major hub for the aromatic plants industry.
Dr. Singh praised the mission’s efforts in doubling farmers’ income and empowering women, particularly through the Rural Women Technology Park developed under the initiative. He described it as a replicable model for empowering women and creating sustainable livelihoods.
The mission’s focus on innovation has also made the Northeast a hub for connectivity, with improved rail, air, and water networks enabling industrial partnerships and export opportunities.
The newly inaugurated Incubation & Innovation Complex (IICON) was lauded as a “one-stop solution” for entrepreneurs, farmers, and artisans. Offering 27 advanced technologies, IICON provides startups and MSMEs access to incubation facilities for up to two years, allowing them to refine their production and marketing strategies before launching independent ventures.
Dr. Singh expressed confidence that the Aroma Mission, along with the Government’s Act East Policy and initiatives like IICON, would transform the Northeast into a hub of innovation, trade, and sustainable development. He emphasized leveraging the region’s natural and human resources to achieve the vision of India@2047, fostering regional prosperity and strengthening India’s global position.
As the North East Aroma Conclave 2025 concluded, it stood as a testament to how integrated government initiatives can drive regional progress, empower communities, and build a brighter, more inclusive future for the nation.