At least 150 distinct products from the northeast region are set to receive Geographical Indication (GI) tagging within the next two years, as announced by the government. The Ministry of Development of North-East Region (MDoNER) is leading this initiative to promote and safeguard the unique identity of local products in sectors like Agri-Horti, Handloom, and Handicraft.
Furthermore, the Ministry has approved the establishment of the North East Science and Technology Cluster at IIT Guwahati, with an investment of Rs 22.98 crore. This cluster aims to enhance Research, Innovation, and Skill Development in the northeast by supporting initiatives like an Innovation Hub on Grassroots and a Technology Hub for Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence.
The northeast region contributes to almost 96% of India’s agarwood production, leading to a sixfold increase in the country’s annual export quota for agarwood. There are plans to develop agarwood clusters in Golaghat, Assam, and Kadamtala, Tripura, to further boost production in this sector. The Ministry is also focusing on empowering Traditional Bamboo Artisan Clusters to improve market access and livelihoods for over 4,000 artisans.
The government is working towards strengthening the northeast’s role in India’s development vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Notably, the Rising North East Investors Summit held in New Delhi attracted significant interest from private investors, big corporate houses, foreign investors, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), with commitments reaching Rs 4.48 lakh crore.
