Nagaland is looking to expand lavender cultivation and deepen its partnership with the Centre in science and technology as part of a broader effort to create sustainable livelihoods, support farmers and promote innovation-driven development across the state.
Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along, accompanied by Science and Technology Advisor Küzholüzo (Azo) Nienu, met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi on July 1 to discuss the state’s future roadmap.
A key focus of the meeting was the expansion of lavender cultivation under the CSIR Aroma Mission. Nagaland had adopted the programme in 2022 with a pilot project in Zunheboto district. During the discussions, Dr. Singh referred to the success of the “Purple Revolution” in Jammu and Kashmir and said the initiative could now be extended to other suitable districts in Nagaland.
He said expanding lavender farming could help generate sustainable livelihoods, improve farmers’ incomes and encourage rural entrepreneurship. To support this, he suggested that scientists, technical experts and senior government officials from Nagaland undertake an exposure visit to Jammu and Kashmir to study the successful implementation of lavender cultivation and adopt suitable practices based on Nagaland’s agro-climatic conditions.
Dr. Singh also recommended carrying out a scientific assessment to identify areas across Nagaland suitable for lavender and other aromatic crops. He stressed the importance of quality planting material, technical support, skill development programmes and better market linkages to ensure long-term success for farmers.
The meeting also reviewed opportunities to extend flagship programmes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to universities and colleges in Nagaland. These initiatives would include mentorship, financial assistance and infrastructure support aimed at strengthening scientific research and higher education in the state.
Dr. Singh proposed detailed consultations involving DST officials, the Nagaland government and academic institutions to identify priority sectors and prepare a practical implementation roadmap.
Besides agriculture, the discussions covered collaboration in biotechnology, agri-technologies, bio-resource utilisation and innovation-led research through partnerships with leading scientific institutions under the Department of Science and Technology and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Speaking during the meeting, Temjen Imna Along appreciated the Centre’s continued support for strengthening the science and technology ecosystem in the Northeast. Azo Nienu also shared the state’s vision of promoting scientific research, innovation and technology-based development to create new opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs.
