Guwahati :  Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia visited the North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC), expressing enthusiasm for the region’s bamboo industry potential. The minister praised the craftsmanship of local artisans, stating that their products have the capacity to compete in global markets.

Scindia emphasised the alignment of these initiatives with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat. He highlighted the bamboo industry’s potential as a game-changer for the region’s economy, dubbing it the “Green Gold of the Northeast.”

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) echoed Scindia’s sentiments, urging investment in the sector. They emphasised NECBDC’s role in empowering bamboo artisans through training and market linkages, promoting the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative for indigenous heritage.

During his visit to Shillong, Scindia participated in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in Mother’s Name) initiative, planting a tree to promote environmental sustainability. This action aligns with the broader national goal of creating a greener India.

The minister also engaged with women farmers from Shillong, recognising their role in both agriculture and community development. He expressed confidence in the North Eastern Region Agriculture Commercialization and Enterprise (NERACE) platform’s ability to connect these farmers with global markets, potentially boosting India’s agricultural exports.

During his visit to the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Meghalaya’s Shillong on Friday, DoNER minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the web portal and mobile application designed to benefit the farming community and buyers in the Northeast.

The  web portal and mobile application – Northeast Region Agri Commodity E-Connect (NERACE) is intended to support agricultural and horticultural products, including spices, fruits, vegetables, pulses, cereals and minor forest products, the DoNER ministry said in a statement.

The app aims to provide the farmers access to larger markets, better negotiation opportunities, premium pricing and real-time availability updates, it said.

 It will additionally offer the buyers direct access to verified sellers, high-quality products, transaction, planning, negotiations, logistics support and foster long-term relationships, it added.

Speaking on the benefits of the web portal and app, the minister said, “NERACE will play a pivotal role in positioning the Northeast as a hub of high-value horticultural products. It will not just make the farmers of Northeast the producers, but also reliable partners in the international agricultural value chain.”

At present, the Northeast region boasts of 20 Geographical Indication (GI) products that are exotic, high-value and rich in health benefits.  Under one platform, the app will provide support in English, Hindi, Assamese, Mizo, Manipuri, Nepali and Khasi languages, it further said.