Eight NE states align on a strategic roadmap including fertilizer plants, agri-tech, and tourism infrastructure at high-level DoNER meeting.
Chief Minister of Tripura, Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, emphasized the need for a dedicated marketing policy to boost agriculture and horticulture in the Northeastern states and enhance the marketability of agricultural produce. He expressed this view during the first meeting of the High-Level Task Force constituted by the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), which was held via video conference at the State Secretariat today.
Chaired by Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the meeting witnessed extensive discussions on strategies for the development of agriculture and horticulture, increasing investment, and exploring potential avenues for tourism across the eight Northeastern states.
As the convenor of the Task Force on investment promotion, CM Saha stressed the need to develop a strategic roadmap for industrial setup in the region. He proposed initiatives for establishing industries based on mineral oil, gas, and coal, along with urea fertilizer plants, bamboo-based industries, rubber-based industries, edible oil processing units, tea industry enhancement, cultivation of medicinal plants, tech-based sectors, startups, real estate, healthcare services, and tourism.
Highlighting state-specific initiatives, CM Saha suggested setting up modern rice mills to process the region’s aromatic ‘Kali Khasa’ rice, promoting organic farming, and creating infrastructure for preserving perishable agricultural produce. He also underscored the need for scientific methods in banana processing and the establishment of rice husk processing units.
CM Saha proposed the creation of a North East Tourist Circuit to enhance tourist inflow and boost state revenues. He recommended improving air connectivity, increasing investment in tourism infrastructure, training local tourist guides, ensuring safety and security of visitors, and promoting each state’s unique cultural heritage.
The meeting also focused on tourism development in the region. CM Saha proposed the creation of a North East Tourist Circuit to enhance tourist inflow and boost state revenues. He recommended improving air connectivity, increasing investment in tourism infrastructure, training local tourist guides, ensuring safety and security of visitors, and promoting each state’s unique cultural heritage.
Union Minister Scindia, in his address, called for the use of digital mapping technologies to increase agricultural productivity, adding value to agri-produce, and facilitating its marketing and distribution through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. He also stressed the importance of storage infrastructure and suggested that the region’s unique produce be given focused attention.
Scindia further emphasized strengthening international trade from six of the Northeastern states and ensuring effective implementation of MoUs signed for various projects. He proposed the establishment of Investment Promotion Agencies in each state to attract more investment. Referring to the tourism sectors in Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia, he suggested studying their models to adapt suitable strategies for the Northeastern states, which he said hold immense tourism potential.
Each of the eight Northeastern states would benefit from establishing a dedicated tourism circuit site, along with comprehensive tourism-related services, Scindia noted.
The meeting was also attended by Agriculture Ministers Atul Bora (Assam) and Gabriel D. Wangsu (Arunachal Pradesh), who shared their perspectives on agricultural development. Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, who also convenes the Task Force on agriculture and horticulture, stressed the need for strengthening agri-infrastructure, easier access to agricultural credit through national banks, and the creation of a distinct Agri Policy and Market Chain for intra-regional trade of agri-produce within the Northeastern states.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, and Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang also discussed the vast potential for attracting investment in various sectors across their respective states.
On the tourism front, additional insights were shared by CM Tamang and CM Conrad Sangma, the latter being the convenor of the tourism development task force.
Also present in the virtual meeting were Tripura Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department Kiran Gitte, and Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Apurba Roy, among other senior officials.
