Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, recently highlighted the transformative potential of the 'Mission Saffron' initiative, which has been expanding saffron cultivation in Northeast India since 2021. Initially introduced in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya, the initiative is now witnessing large-scale cultivation in Menchukha (Arunachal Pradesh) and Yuksom (Sikkim), with plans to extend further into Nagaland and Manipur. The goal is to establish the Northeast as the next saffron hub, following the success of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pampore region.
Dr. Singh made these remarks while laying the foundation stone for the permanent campus of the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) in Shillong. He highlighted the government’s strategic focus on utilizing uncultivated land for saffron farming, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity without disrupting existing crops.
He also underlined the government’s commitment to transforming the region through science and technology, citing remarkable advancements in infrastructure, connectivity, and economic growth over the past decade.
The minister pointed out that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Northeast has seen unparalleled improvements in road networks, railway expansion, and aerial transport. These developments have significantly improved accessibility to remote areas, making them viable for economic and scientific progress. Comparing the current scenario with pre-2014 conditions, Dr. Singh remarked that the transformation is now clearly visible, enabling the region to actively contribute to India’s growth story.
NECTAR, an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, has played a pivotal role in fostering innovation and self-reliance in the region. Dr. Singh lauded its initiatives, which include saffron cultivation, drone technology for land mapping under the ‘Swamitva’ program, and advancements in bamboo and honey production.
With the upcoming permanent campus in Shillong, NECTAR aims to establish itself as a centre of excellence, promoting cutting-edge research and skill development.
Asserting the importance of Northeast India in India's economic trajectory, Dr. Singh emphasized that the region would play a crucial role in the country’s journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047.
