Govt Expands Saffron Cultivation in Northeast, Lays Foundation for NECTAR Campus in Shillong

Shillong: In a major boost to agricultural and technological development in the Northeast, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the expansion of the Mission Saffron initiative, which has successfully introduced saffron cultivation in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. Large-scale farming is now underway in Menchukha (Arunachal Pradesh) and Yuksom (Sikkim), with plans to extend cultivation to Nagaland and Manipur.

Dr. Singh made this announcement while laying the foundation stone for the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) permanent campus in Shillong. He emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Northeast is undergoing a transformation, integrating modern technology and agricultural advancements. He noted that saffron cultivation in the region strategically utilizes uncultivated land, enhancing agricultural productivity without disrupting existing crops.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to the region, Dr. Singh pointed out significant infrastructural developments over the past decade, including improved road networks, railway expansion, and better aerial connectivity, which have made remote areas more accessible. “The Northeast, once struggling with connectivity, now boasts robust infrastructure, paving the way for economic and scientific growth,” he said.

NECTAR, an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, was established in 2014 to promote innovation and technology-driven solutions in the Northeast. Dr. Singh commended NECTAR’s initiatives, which include:

• Saffron cultivation in the Northeast, following the success of lavender farming in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Use of drones for land mapping under the ‘Swamitva’ program.
• Advancements in bamboo and honey production, contributing to the local economy.

The upcoming NECTAR permanent campus in New Shillong will serve as a center for technology demonstration, research, and skill development, helping to bridge last-mile gaps in technology application. Dr. Singh urged NECTAR to carve out a specialized research domain, similar to premier institutions like IITs, to gain national recognition.

Looking ahead, the Minister emphasized that the Northeast will play a crucial role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. “As India moves towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, regions like the Northeast, which were previously underutilized, will be at the forefront of this growth,” he stated.

With the expansion of saffron cultivation and the establishment of NECTAR’s new research hub, the government reaffirms its commitment to empowering the Northeast, ensuring it plays a vital role in India’s economic and technological future.