HT Correspondent
JORHAT, Jan 28: Union S&T and earth sciences minister Jitendra Singh dedicated virtually the Incubation & Innovation Complex of NEIST (IICON) to the service of the nation during the North East Aroma Conclave (NEAC), 2025 held at CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat on Monday.
IICON has been commissioned under aegis of “Science & Technological Intervention for North East India (STINER)” which is a very ambitious, innovative and challenging project designed and conceived by ministry of development of north eastern region (MDoNER), and being executed by CSIR-NEIST. It may be mentioned that IICON houses 25 technologies under one roof.
Dr Singh in his address emphasised the government’s focus on integrating science and entrepreneurship to boost the region’s economy.
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The event also marked the distribution of certificates to 23 entrepreneurs/ Start-ups. A technology on “Honey bee box from eco-friendly material” was transferred to three parties, namely, M/s CK Udyog Foods Pvt. Ltd, Jorhat; M/s Subham India, Jorhat and Sri Naagha Honey and Foods Pvt. Ltd, Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
Chief secretary Ravi Kota also virtually announced the ambitious programme to set the ball rolling for one lakh Agarwood Plantation Programme in the state of Assam.
The North East Aroma Conclave (NEAC 2025) was held in collaboration with Fragrance & Flavour Development Centre (FFDC), Kannauj, UP.
This event aimed to foster innovation, business development, and enhanced linkages among farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in the aromatic plants and flowers industry, with a vision to position Northeast India as a key player in the global aromatic sector.
N Kalaiselvi, director general of CSIR & secretary, DSIR, GoI also attended the event through vide conferencing.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries including the member of parliament from Assam Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Prabodh Kumar Trivedi, director, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow; Sonali Ghosh, CEO, Assam Agroforestry Development Board and field director of Kaziranga National Park (KNP), Sinam Yoirentomba Meetei, dy director, MSME- Technology Centre, Imphal, Manipur, ZahirulIslam, Akumla, Rohit Seth, president, Sugandh Vyapar Sangh, apart from aother eminent personalities. Kamakhya Prasad Tasa urged scientists to extend technological support to farmers for better cultivation techniques.
Dr N Kalaiselvi, DG of CSIR & Secretary, DSIR, stressed upon the transformative potential of research and innovation in the aroma industry In his welcome address, the director of CSIR-NEIST Virendra Mani Tiwari underscored the significance of promoting the aroma industry and products in Assam as a pathway to sustainable economic development for the region. Sonali Ghosh, advocated for the augmenation in the production of aromatic plants through intervention of advanced technologies and announced about the upcoming of a similar conclave to be held in Guwahati on February 25 this year and urged the stakeholders to explore new possiblities through the conclave.
Earlier in the day, Mohan Lal, principal scientist, CSIR-NEIST while addressing the attendees and the stakeholders apprised about the core challenges in cultivation and marketing of aromatic crops. He highlighted the potential of specific agricultural products that can thrive in the NER’s unique agro-climatic conditions.
Mantu Bhuyan, senior principal scientist of the institute presented an overview overall status and scope of aroma industry in the country and stressed upon CSIR-NEIST’s contributions to the aroma industry, and the role of technology and collaboration in empowering farmers, industries, and entrepreneurs.
