Shri Temjen Imna Along, Hon'ble Minister for Tourism & Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, accompanied by Shri Küzholüzo (Azo) Nienu, Advisor for Science & Technology, Government of Nagaland, today called on 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, Dr. Jitendra Singh, to discuss a comprehensive roadmap for expanding lavender related Agri-entrepreneurship in th the State of Nagaland.

Pertinent to mention that the success story of Purple Revolution under Aroma Mission, originating from #Bhaderwah in J&K, has been adopted by the State of Nagaland since 2022, beginning with Lavender cultivation by a StartUp group in the Zunheboto region of the State.

The Nagaland Minister also discussed discussed schemes under the Ministry of Science & Technology to support Universities and Colleges in the State by way of mentorship, financial assistance and infrastructure development.

The Minister was accompanied by Advisor Science & Technology, Govt of Nagaland, Mr Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu.

The meeting focused on leveraging the State's rich biodiversity, natural resources and academic ecosystem through targeted scientific initiatives to generate sustainable livelihoods, strengthen farmers' incomes, promote rural entrepreneurship and accelerate technology-driven development.

A major focus of the discussions was the expansion of lavender cultivation and other high-value aromatic crops under the successful CSIR Aroma Mission. Appreciating the pilot lavender cultivation initiative taken up by the Government of Nagaland in Zunheboto district, Dr. Jitendra Singh said such scientifically guided interventions, tailored to the State's agro-climatic conditions, could transform aromatic crop cultivation into a sustainable livelihood model. He said the 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.

Referring to the remarkable success of the CSIR Aroma Mission in Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Jitendra Singh said 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 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 the best practices that could be adapted to Nagaland's local conditions.

The Union Minister also suggested a scientific assessment of suitable locations across Nagaland for expanding lavender and other aromatic crops through a region-specific approach. He said scientific handholding, quality planting material, technology support, skill development and market linkages would be essential for scaling up aromatic crop cultivation and ensuring long-term benefits for farmers and rural youth.

The meeting also discussed 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 in the State. Dr. Jitendra Singh suggested that senior DST officials hold detailed consultations with the State Government and academic institutions to identify priority areas for collaboration, examine the feasibility of establishing appropriate scientific infrastructure and technology-enabled facilities, and prepare an implementation roadmap aligned with the State's developmental priorities.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also encouraged closer collaboration between the Government of Nagaland and premier scientific institutions under the Department of Science & Technology 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. He said stronger partnerships among universities, research institutions, industry and government would help create a vibrant innovation ecosystem capable of addressing region-specific developmental challenges.

The discussions further covered opportunities for collaboration in biotechnology, agri-technologies, bio-resource utilisation and other emerging sectors where Nagaland enjoys significant natural advantages. Dr. Jitendra Singh said 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.

Shri Temjen Imna Along appreciated the Government of India's continued support for strengthening the science and technology ecosystem in the North East and expressed the State Government's commitment to working closely with the Ministry in taking forward collaborative initiatives across priority sectors. Shri Küzholüzo (Azo) Nienu also shared the State's vision for expanding scientific research, promoting innovation and creating new opportunities for technology-led development in Nagaland.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen Centre-State collaboration for translating scientific research into practical developmental outcomes through farmer-centric technologies, stronger research partnerships, enhanced institutional capacity and sustainable livelihood opportunities across Nagaland.

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NKR/AK/NM