The Centre and the Nagaland government have discussed a roadmap for expanding lavender cultivation and strengthening science and technology initiatives in the state during a meeting between Nagaland Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along, Advisor for Science & Technology Küzholüzo (Azo) Nienu, and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh.
According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release, the meeting focused on expanding lavender-based agri-entrepreneurship under the CSIR Aroma Mission, strengthening farmers’ livelihoods, promoting rural entrepreneurship and extending science and technology support to higher educational institutions in Nagaland.
The PIB said Dr Jitendra Singh appreciated the pilot lavender cultivation initiative undertaken in Zunheboto district since 2022 and suggested that the experience could serve as the basis for a roadmap to expand aromatic crop cultivation to other suitable districts in the state.
Referring to the success of the “Purple Revolution” under the CSIR Aroma Mission in Jammu & Kashmir’s Bhaderwah region, the Union Minister proposed that scientists, technical experts and senior officials from Nagaland undertake an exposure visit to study the program and assess practices that could be adapted to the state’s agro-climatic conditions.
According to the PIB, the Union Minister also proposed a scientific assessment to identify suitable locations across Nagaland for lavender and other aromatic crops, stressing the importance of quality planting material, technology support, skill development and market linkages for long-term success.
The meeting also discussed extending flagship schemes of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) to universities and research institutions in Nagaland through mentorship, infrastructure development and financial assistance. The PIB said Dr Jitendra Singh suggested detailed consultations between senior DST officials, the state government and academic institutions to identify priority areas for collaboration and prepare an implementation roadmap.
The discussions further covered collaboration in biotechnology, agri-technologies, bio-resource utilisation and innovation-driven research involving institutions under the Department of Science & Technology and the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).
According to the PIB, Temjen Imna Along thanked the Centre for its continued support for strengthening the science and technology ecosystem in the Northeast and reiterated the state government’s commitment to advancing collaborative initiatives, while Advisor Küzholüzo (Azo) Nienu outlined Nagaland’s vision for promoting scientific research, innovation and technology-led development.
