DIMAPUR, JUL 1 (NPN): Tourism & Higher Education minister Temjen Imna Along, accompanied by Science & Technology advisor Küzholüzo (Azo) Nienu, called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS for PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh on July 1 to discuss expanding lavender-based agri-entrepreneurship and strengthening science and technology collaboration in Nagaland.
The meeting focused on preparing a roadmap to expand lavender cultivation under the CSIR Aroma Mission, which Nagaland adopted in 2022 with a pilot project in Zunheboto district. Referring to the success of the “Purple Revolution” in Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Singh said the pilot initiative could be scaled up to other suitable districts to generate sustainable livelihoods, strengthen farmers’ incomes and promote rural entrepreneurship.
He suggested that scientists, technical experts and senior officials from Nagaland undertake an exposure visit to Jammu & Kashmir to study the implementation of lavender cultivation and adopt best practices suited to the state’s agro-climatic conditions.
Dr. Singh also recommended a scientific assessment of suitable locations across Nagaland for lavender and other aromatic crops, stressing the need for quality planting material, technology support, skill development and market linkages.
The meeting also discussed extending flagship schemes of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) to universities and colleges in Nagaland through mentorship, financial assistance and infrastructure development.
Dr. Singh proposed consultations between DST officials, the state government and academic institutions to identify priority areas and prepare an implementation roadmap.
The discussions further covered collaboration in biotechnology, agri-technologies, bio-resource utilisation and innovation-driven research through partnerships with premier scientific institutions under DST and CSIR.
Imna Along appreciated the Centre’s continued support for strengthening the science and technology ecosystem in the Northeast, while Azo Nienu shared the state’s vision for promoting scientific research, innovation and technology-led development. The meeting concluded with a commitment to deepen Centre-state collaboration for sustainable livelihood generation and research-based development in Nagaland.
