Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has said that the bio-potential of India’s Northeast holds immense promise for the nation’s economic growth. Speaking at the “Stakeholder-cum-Awareness Meet” and Distribution of Quality Planting Materials under the CSIR–Aroma Mission and CSIR–Floriculture Mission, organised by CSIR–NEIST, the Minister highlighted that science-led interventions are reshaping rural livelihoods and driving sustainable development across the region.
Dr. Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Vice President of CSIR, commended CSIR–NEIST’s efforts in empowering farmers, entrepreneurs, and youth through the promotion of medicinal, aromatic, and floricultural crops.
He noted that the Northeast, with its rich biodiversity and favourable agro-climatic conditions, has the potential to emerge as a centre for high-value plant-based industries. The government, he said, is working towards transforming the region into an “Agro-Entrepreneurial Hub” by integrating advanced scientific tools with traditional agricultural practices.
Drawing parallels with the successful “Purple Revolution” in Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Singh encouraged farmers and entrepreneurs in Mizoram and other Northeastern states to adopt the cultivation of aromatic crops such as lavender, citronella, lemongrass, and patchouli. These crops, he said, have high market demand and can significantly enhance farmers’ income.
He emphasized that the Purple Revolution is a model example of how blending science with local potential can create new avenues of employment and entrepreneurship, a success that can be replicated in the Northeast.
The Minister added that initiatives under the CSIR–Aroma and Floriculture Missions not only boost farm income but also promote women empowerment, youth engagement, and rural industrialization, aligning with the government’s vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047.”
The event was presided over by Dr. Virendra M. Tiwari, Director, CSIR–NEIST, who highlighted the institute’s achievements in Mizoram and other Northeastern states. Quality planting materials of crops such as lemongrass, citronella, chamomile, patchouli, anthurium, marigold, and chrysanthemum were distributed to farmers, along with bee boxes to promote integrated livelihood models.
As part of its continued outreach, CSIR–NEIST will organize a Training-cum-Awareness Programme at KVK Mamit, Lengpui, to provide hands-on training in aromatic and floriculture crop cultivation.
