MoS Jitendra Singh holds review meeting with NE scientific institutions in Wokha

DIMAPUR — As part of his two-day official tour of Wokha district, Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, convened a high-level review meeting with prominent scientific institutions from across the Northeast at the DC’s conference hall on Tuesday.

According to a DIPR report, the meeting was organised to strengthen technological integration in key developmental sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, educational research, and the implementation of central schemes in Nagaland, particularly in Wokha district. 

Six leading institutions participated in the deliberations, including Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati; North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), Shillong; Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal; CSIR–North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), Jorhat; Office of the Additional Surveyor General, Eastern Zone, Survey of India, Kolkata; and the Directorate of Geo-Spatial Data, Assam and Nagaland, Guwahati. 

Also read: Wokha legislators submit representation to Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Each institute delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining their current outreach initiatives, technological research, and collaborative programmes.

The presentations focused on advancing scientific applications in rural development, refining farming practices to boost household economies, and promoting Wokha’s traditional food and beverage culture through innovation and value addition. 

Special emphasis was placed on bioresource utilisation and the emerging bioeconomy, with particular attention to banana fibre extraction in Wokha district.

As banana has been recognised as the official “One District One Product’ (ODOP) of Wokha, the discussion centred on strategies to scale production, promote agribusiness, and integrate sustainable value chains. 

Read more: MOS Jitendra Singh unveils vision document on banana cultivation in Wokha

Dr. Singh interacted with scientists from the participating institutions and encouraged them to establish active collaboration with line departments in Wokha to translate research into real-world outcomes.

He also underscored the importance of harnessing science and technology for the holistic development of remote and resource-rich districts like Wokha. 

“The review meeting marks a significant step in fostering research-to-ground linkages and reaffirming the central government’s commitment to bridging regional development gaps through science-led governance and inclusive innovation,” the report stated.

Advisor to Nagaland chief minister, Dr. Çhumben Murry was also present during the review meeting.