Minister Temjen Imna Along, along with Advisor Küzholüzo (Azo) Nienu called on Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh to discuss a roadmap for expanding lavender-related agripreneurship in the State on July 1. (Photo Courtesy: PIB Photo)
New Delhi, July 1 (MExN): Nagaland Minister for Tourism & Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, along with Advisor for Science & Technology, Küzholüzo (Azo) Nienu, called on Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Wednesday to discuss a roadmap for expanding lavender-related agripreneurship in the State.
A major focus of the talks was expanding lavender and other high-value aromatic crops under the CSIR Aroma Mission. Nagaland has been implementing the “Purple Revolution” model, which originated in Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, since 2022, with pilot lavender cultivation undertaken by a startup group in the Zunheboto district, a PIB update stated here.
“Such scientifically guided interventions, tailored to the State’s agro-climatic conditions, could transform aromatic crop cultivation into a sustainable livelihood model,” Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, said during the meeting.
Appreciating the pilot initiative taken up by the Government of Nagaland in Zunheboto district, Dr Singh said, “Experience gained from the pilot initiative could help develop a scalable roadmap for expanding similar farmer-centric interventions to other suitable districts of the State, creating higher incomes, rural enterprises and value-added opportunities.”
Citing the success of the Aroma Mission in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Singh suggested that scientists, technical experts and senior officials from Nagaland undertake an exposure visit to Jammu & Kashmir to closely study the successful implementation of lavender cultivation, interact with scientific institutions and progressive farmers and assess best practices that could be adapted to local conditions.
“The initiative has demonstrated how science can become a catalyst for socio-economic transformation by creating employment and improving the incomes of farming communities,” he said.
The Union Minister also called for a scientific assessment of suitable locations across Nagaland for expanding lavender and other aromatic crops through a region-specific approach. He emphasised that scientific handholding, quality planting material, technology support, skill development and market linkages would be essential for scaling up cultivation and ensuring long-term benefits for farmers and rural youth.
Strengthening academic and research ecosystem
The meeting also deliberated on extending various flagship schemes of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) to strengthen the science and innovation ecosystem in Nagaland, particularly through higher educational institutions, including the Central University and other research organisations.
Dr Singh suggested that senior DST officials hold detailed consultations with the State Government and academic institutions to identify priority areas for collaboration and examine the feasibility of establishing appropriate scientific infrastructure and technology-enabled facilities.
He encouraged closer collaboration between the Government of Nagaland and premier scientific institutions under the DST and the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) to accelerate technology transfer, promote innovation-driven research and build capacity among young scientists, startups and entrepreneurs.
Focus on biodiversity and bio-resources
The discussions further covered opportunities for collaboration in biotechnology, agritechnologies, bio-resource utilisation and other emerging sectors where Nagaland enjoys significant natural advantages. “Science and technology can play a transformative role in unlocking the economic potential of the North Eastern Region by developing locally relevant, sustainable and scalable solutions that directly improve the lives of farmers, rural communities and aspiring entrepreneurs,” Dr Singh noted.
The discussions further covered opportunities for collaboration in biotechnology, agritechnologies, bio-resource utilisation and other emerging sectors where Nagaland enjoys significant natural advantages.
