Kohima/New Delhi, July 1, 2026: Nagaland has sought greater support from the Centre to promote science-led development, strengthen research infrastructure, and create sustainable rural livelihoods by expanding lavender cultivation and technology-driven entrepreneurship across the state.
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| Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along and Advisor for Science & Technology Küzholüzo (Azo) Nienu call on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh in New Delhi on July 1, 2026. (Image: X/AlongImna) |
The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday between Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along, Advisor for Science and Technology Küzholüzo (Azo) Nienu, and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh.
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the meeting focused on expanding lavender-based agri-entrepreneurship under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Aroma Mission, while also exploring greater collaboration between the Centre and the state to strengthen scientific research, higher education, innovation, and technology-based development.
A major highlight of the discussions was the expansion of lavender cultivation in Nagaland following the encouraging success of a pilot project launched in Zunheboto district in 2022. The initiative was inspired by the nationally acclaimed Purple Revolution in Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, where lavender farming under the CSIR Aroma Mission has transformed the local economy by generating employment and increasing farmers' incomes.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said Nagaland possesses favourable agro-climatic conditions for cultivating lavender and other high-value aromatic crops. He noted that the state's pilot project has demonstrated significant potential and could now be replicated in other suitable districts.
"The pilot project in Nagaland has shown promising results. With the right scientific support and planning, lavender cultivation can become an important source of sustainable livelihood, improve farmers' income, and create new rural enterprises," the Union Minister said during the meeting.
He proposed that a team comprising scientists, technical experts, and senior government officials from Nagaland undertake an exposure visit to Jammu and Kashmir to study the successful implementation of the Purple Revolution. Such a visit, he said, would enable the state to understand best practices in cultivation, processing, value addition, and marketing that could be adapted to Nagaland's local conditions.
Dr. Singh also recommended conducting a scientific assessment across Nagaland to identify additional areas suitable for lavender cultivation and other aromatic crops.
He emphasised that scientific handholding would be crucial for the long-term success of the initiative, including access to quality planting material, technological support, farmer training, skill development, and strong market linkages.
Beyond lavender farming, the meeting also explored ways to strengthen Nagaland's overall science and innovation ecosystem through greater participation in flagship schemes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Dr. Singh suggested that senior DST officials engage with the Nagaland government, universities, colleges, and research institutions to identify priority sectors for collaboration. He said such consultations would help assess scientific infrastructure requirements and formulate a roadmap aligned with the state's long-term development goals.
The Union Minister further encouraged stronger partnerships between Nagaland and institutions under the Department of Science and Technology as well as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
According to the PIB, these collaborations could promote technology transfer, innovation-driven research, startup incubation, capacity building, and entrepreneurship among students, researchers, and young innovators in the state.
The discussions also covered collaboration in biotechnology, agri-technologies, bio-resource utilisation, and other emerging sectors where Nagaland enjoys significant natural advantages because of its biodiversity and rich natural resources.
Minister Temjen Imna Along thanked the Union Government for its continued support to the Northeastern region and reaffirmed Nagaland's commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Science and Technology to implement collaborative projects that benefit both rural communities and educational institutions.
Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Along said he had a productive discussion with Dr. Jitendra Singh on expanding lavender-based agri-entrepreneurship in Nagaland.
He noted that the discussions built upon the encouraging work already initiated by a startup group in Zunheboto under the Purple Revolution.
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"Had a great meeting with Hon'ble Dr. Jitendra Singh Ji. Accompanied by Advisor for Science & Technology Shri Kuzholüzo (Azo) Nienu, we discussed expanding lavender-based agri-entrepreneurship in Nagaland, building on the encouraging work already started by a startup group in Zunheboto under the Purple Revolution. We also explored greater support for our universities and colleges through the Ministry of Science & Technology," Along posted.
In another post, he wrote in Hindi, "The fragrance of lavender will soon spread across Nagaland," expressing optimism about the state's growing role in India's aromatic crop revolution.
Advisor for Science and Technology Küzholüzo Nienu also shared the state's broader vision of promoting scientific research, encouraging innovation, and creating new opportunities for technology-led economic growth.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a separate social media post, described the meeting as a detailed discussion on promoting lavender-related agri-entrepreneurship in Nagaland.
He noted that the success story of the Purple Revolution, which originated in Bhaderwah under the CSIR Aroma Mission, had already been adopted by Nagaland through lavender cultivation initiated by a startup group in Zunheboto since 2022.
The Union Minister also said discussions were held on extending Ministry of Science and Technology schemes to universities and colleges in Nagaland through mentorship, financial assistance, and infrastructure development.
The meeting concluded with both the Centre and the Nagaland government agreeing to deepen cooperation in translating scientific research into practical developmental outcomes. The proposed collaboration will focus on farmer-centric technologies, stronger research partnerships, improved institutional capacity, innovation-driven entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood opportunities across the state.
If implemented successfully, the expansion of lavender cultivation and the strengthening of science and technology initiatives could open new avenues for employment, rural enterprise, research, and innovation, positioning Nagaland as an emerging hub for aromatic crops and science-led development in the Northeast.
