Northeast's bio-potential for India's economic ascent

Northeast’s bio-potential holds promise for India’s economic ascent. This was stated by Dr Jitendra Singh, India’s Minister of State for Earth Sciences, while addressing the “Stakeholder-cum-Awarness Meet” and Distribution of Quality Planting Materials under the CSIR–Aroma Mission and CSIR–Floriculture Mission, organised by Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) – NEIST.

In his inaugural address, Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that science-led interventions are playing a transformative role in uplifting rural livelihoods and driving sustainable economic growth across the Northeastern region. He commended CSIR–NEIST’s efforts in empowering farmers, entrepreneurs, and youth through the cultivation of medicinal, aromatic, and floricultural crops.

Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that the Northeast, blessed with rich biodiversity and unique agro-climatic conditions, holds immense potential to emerge as a hub for high-value plant-based industries.

He said the Government is committed to transforming the region into an “Agro-Entrepreneurial Hub” by integrating modern scientific tools with traditional farming practices.

Referring to the success of the ‘Purple Revolution’ in Jammu & Kashmir, Dr Jitendra Singh urged farmers and entrepreneurs in Mizoram and other Northeastern states to emulate this model to cultivate aromatic crops such as lavender, citronella, lemongrass, and patchouli, which have demonstrated strong market demand and income potential.

He said, “The Purple Revolution has shown how science, when blended with local potential, can create new avenues of employment and entrepreneurship. The same success can be replicated in the Northeast to make it a centre of India’s aroma and floriculture economy.”

Dr Jitendra Singh added that initiatives under CSIR–Aroma Mission and CSIR–Floriculture Mission not only enhance farm income but also promote women empowerment, youth engagement, and rural industrialisation, thereby aligning with the Government’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’, a developed nation by 2047.

The programme was presided over by Dr Virendra M. Tiwari, Director, CSIR–NEIST, Jorhat, who elaborated on the institute’s interventions and achievements in Mizoram and other Northeastern states.

CSIR–NEIST has been working extensively across the Northeast to promote the cultivation and processing of aromatic crops and high-value floriculture varieties.

The institute has created livelihood opportunities through integrated models combining aroma cultivation, floriculture, and apiculture, thereby improving income and productivity at the grassroots level.

Quality planting materials for aromatic and floricultural crops, such as lemongrass, citronella, chamomile, patchouli, anthurium, marigold, and chrysanthemum, along with bee boxes, were distributed to participating farmers.