Excelsior Correspondent
JORHAT, Jan 27: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that both the Northeast region as well as Jammu & Kashmir have been on the priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Aroma Mission launched by the Government headed by him in J&K is now picking up in the Northeast.
Both these regions have abundant natural resources which have in the past remained unexplored but can be a vital value addition to India’s economy, said the Minister and underscored the transformative potential of the Aroma Mission at the North East Aroma Conclave 2025, highlighting how the initiative integrates multiple flagship schemes of the Government to empower the region.
Speaking virtually at the inauguration of the Incubation & Innovation Complex (IICON) of CSIR-NEIST, Dr Jitendra Singh underscored the transformative potential of the Aroma Mission at the North East Aroma Conclave 2025, highlighting how the initiative integrates multiple flagship schemes of the Government to empower the region.
The Minister called it a model of the “whole-of-government” approach, aligning programs such as StartUp India, MSME support, agricultural advancements, and rural development.
“This single initiative represents the spirit of convergence that the Modi Government has championed,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said. He noted that the Aroma Mission is not just an agricultural or scientific initiative but a platform fostering startups, self-help groups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while simultaneously contributing to farmers’ income and promoting employment.The event witnessed the distribution of agreements to 25 startups, entrepreneurs, NGOs, and self-help groups, empowering them to utilize the advanced facilities at IICON and contribute to the region’s economic growth and innovation.
Dr. Jitendra Singh further elaborated that this mission has drawn strength from the Prime Minister’s vision of inclusive development of regions like the North East and Jammu & Kashmir. “Through the Aroma Mission, we are addressing the untapped potential of these biodiverse regions, enabling them to contribute significantly to India’s economy,” he said.
The mission’s outcomes have been promising. Over 27 facilities established at CSIR-NEIST are being utilized by entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and startups. These efforts are creating new opportunities for employment and innovation in sectors such as essential oils and medicinal plants, with North East India poised to replicate the success of lavender cultivation in Jammu & Kashmir.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed confidence that the Aroma Mission will not only bring prosperity to the North East but also bolster India’s bio-economy and biotechnology sectors. With the recently launched Bio-E3 policy and new collaborations in place, the region is set to emerge as a key contributor to India’s growth story, paving the way for achieving the vision of India@2047.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the significance of IICON, calling it a “one-stop solution” for entrepreneurs, farmers, and artisans. The state-of-the-art facility offers 27 advanced technologies to support startups and MSMEs, fostering innovation and skill development while reducing business risks. Selected entrepreneurs and self-help groups will have access to the incubation facilities for up to two years, allowing them to refine production and marketing strategies before launching their independent ventures.
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