SHILLONG, March 14: The Northeast could potentially become India’s next saffron hub after Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, said while laying the foundation stone for the permanent campus of the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) at Umsawli, New Shillong Township (NST), on Thursday.
“We secured the GI tag for Jammu and Kashmir saffron last year. Now, the Northeast has the potential to emerge as India’s next saffron hub,” Singh stated.
He highlighted that NECTAR is actively promoting saffron cultivation in the region through its initiative, Mission Saffron, launched in 2021.
Singh emphasised that NECTAR will play a crucial role in driving the vision of Aatmanirbhar North East (self-reliant Northeast) and Viksit North East (developed Northeast). He urged the institute to establish a distinct identity by focusing on key sectors and leveraging its human, academic, and natural resources.
“I hope the Northeast will contribute significantly towards achieving the dream of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat,” he added
The minister also stated that the institute will serve the entire Northeastern region by providing technological support for startups, entrepreneurship, and bamboo-based industries, as well as initiatives like Mission Honey and Mission Bee
Expressing his satisfaction with the establishment of NECTAR’s permanent campus and the State Technology Demonstration Centre, Singh called it a “landmark moment” in the institute’s journey. He noted that NECTAR was founded in 2014, during the first year of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, and has since expanded its reach across all eight Northeastern states.
“NECTAR has grown from infancy under the patronage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Today, with its own premises, the institute is setting a new benchmark in the transformation of the Northeast,” he said.
The event was attended by NECTAR Director General Dr Arun Kumar Sarma, along with officials from the institute, representatives from state and central organizations, and key stakeholders.
This initiative aligns with NECTAR’s vision of becoming a leading center for fostering, sustaining, and expanding technological applications for public and social good. It aims to ensure that technology reaches people, communities, institutions, and governments, contributing to the equitable and inclusive socio-economic development of the Northeastern region.
The construction of NECTAR’s permanent campus is expected to be completed within two to three years, with operations set to commence shortly thereafter.
