Nagaland seeks Central support to expand lavender cultivation, strengthen science infrastructure and boost technology-driven livelihoods through collaborative initiatives
DIMAPUR — Nagaland on Wednesday sought greater Central support for ‘science-led development’ and rural livelihoods, with the state pitching a roadmap to expand lavender cultivation, strengthen research infrastructure and promote technology-driven entrepreneurship during a high-level meeting with the Union government.
According to a PIB update, Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along, accompanied by Advisor for Science and Technology Küzholüzo Nienu, met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Wednesday to discuss expanding lavender-based agri-entrepreneurship under the CSIR Aroma Mission and extending science and technology initiatives to higher educational institutions in Nagaland.
A key focus of the meeting was scaling up lavender cultivation and other high-value aromatic crops following the state's pilot lavender project launched in Zunheboto district in 2022. The initiative was inspired by the ‘Purple Revolution’ in Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, under the CSIR Aroma Mission.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that Nagaland's agro-climatic conditions offered significant potential for aromatic crop cultivation and described the pilot project as a model that could be expanded to other suitable districts. He added that such interventions could generate sustainable livelihoods, improve farmers' incomes and create rural enterprises.
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The Union minister suggested that scientists, technical experts and senior officials from Nagaland undertake an exposure visit to Jammu and Kashmir to study the successful implementation of lavender cultivation and assess best practices that could be adapted to local conditions.
He also proposed a scientific assessment to identify suitable locations across Nagaland for expanding lavender and other aromatic crops, stressing that scientific handholding, quality planting material, technology support, skill development and market linkages would be critical for long-term success.
The meeting also explored extending flagship schemes of the department of Science and Technology (DST) to strengthen the state's science and innovation ecosystem through universities, colleges and research institutions.
Dr. Jitendra Singh suggested that senior DST officials hold detailed consultations with the state government and academic institutions to identify priority areas for collaboration, assess scientific infrastructure requirements and prepare an implementation roadmap aligned with Nagaland's development priorities.
He further encouraged stronger partnerships between the state government and institutions under the department of Science and Technology and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to promote technology transfer, innovation-driven research and capacity building for startups, young scientists and entrepreneurs.
The discussions also covered collaboration in biotechnology, agri-technologies, bio-resource utilisation and other emerging sectors where Nagaland has significant natural advantages.
Along thanked the Centre for its continued support to the Northeast and reaffirmed the state's commitment to working closely with the ministry to advance collaborative initiatives across priority sectors.
Nienu also shared the state's vision of expanding scientific research, fostering innovation and creating new opportunities for technology-led development.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to deepen Centre-state collaboration to translate scientific research into practical developmental outcomes through farmer-centric technologies, stronger research partnerships, enhanced institutional capacity and sustainable livelihood opportunities across Nagaland, it stated.