On March 13, 2025, Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, laid the foundation stone for the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) in Mawdiangdiang, Shillong. NECTAR is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India, and it’s all about using technology to drive socio-economic progress in the Northeast. The Minister took the opportunity to showcase NECTAR’s accomplishments in saffron cultivation, drone technology, and STEM education, emphasizing its potential to turn the Northeast into India’s next saffron hub.
Key Highlights of the Event
About NECTAR
- Established in 2014 under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
- Works towards technology-driven socio-economic development in the Northeast region.
- Permanent campus foundation stone laid at Mawdiangdiang, Shillong.
Union Minister’s Announcements
- NECTAR’s Mission Saffron was launched in 2021 to promote saffron farming in the Northeast.
- The STEM Education Lab, working alongside IISER Pune and the Smart Village Movement, is empowering 100 schools with innovative tools like robotics, 3D printing, and electronics technology.
- Drone technology applications for flood vulnerability assessments in Morigaon, Dhubri, and Majuli districts.
- Beekeeping and Honey Mission for enhancing rural livelihoods.
- NECTAR to play a key role in “Atmanirbhar Northeast” and “Viksit Bharat”, aligning with PM Modi’s vision for equitable regional growth.
NECTAR’s Key Focus Areas
- Saffron Cultivation
- Drone Technology
- STEM Education
- Flood Risk Mitigation
- Beekeeping and Honey Mission
- Bamboo Innovation