Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the potential of the Northeastern region’s bio-resources and biodiversity to drive India’s economic growth. He was speaking at a Stakeholder-cum-Awareness Meet organized by CSIR-NEIST, where quality planting materials were distributed to farmers under the CSIR-Aroma Mission and CSIR-Floriculture Mission. Dr. Singh highlighted the transformative role of science-driven initiatives in uplifting rural livelihoods and enabling sustainable economic growth in the Northeastern states.
The Minister noted that the Northeast’s rich biodiversity and unique agro-climatic conditions make it an ideal hub for high-value plant-based industries. He encouraged farmers and entrepreneurs to adopt models like the “Purple Revolution” in Jammu & Kashmir, which has successfully cultivated aromatic crops like lavender and lemongrass. Dr. Singh believes that the Northeast can replicate this success and become a major center for India’s aroma and floriculture economy.
The CSIR-Aroma Mission and CSIR-Floriculture Mission aim to enhance farmers’ income, promote women’s empowerment, and support rural industrialization. These initiatives align with the Government’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047′. During the event, quality planting materials and bee boxes were distributed to participating farmers. The institute has been actively promoting the cultivation and processing of aromatic crops and high-value floriculture varieties in the region.
CSIR-NEIST’s integrated models combining aroma cultivation, floriculture, and apiculture have generated livelihoods, boosted productivity, and enhanced farmers’ income. The institute will conduct a Training-cum-Awareness Programme on Aromatic and Floriculture Crop Cultivation on October 30, 2025, to provide hands-on training to farmers and entrepreneurs. Dr. Singh reiterated the Government’s commitment to turning the Northeast into an “Agro-Entrepreneurial Hub” by integrating modern scientific methods with traditional farming systems.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Mrs. Ramdinliani, IAS, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Mizoram, and representatives from the State Medicinal Plant Board. The programme was presided over by Dr. Virendra M. Tiwari, Director, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat. The distribution of quality planting materials and the upcoming training programme demonstrate the Government’s efforts to support the growth of the aroma and floriculture industry in the Northeastern region. By promoting these initiatives, the Government aims to create new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to India’s economic growth.