Economy / Innovation / Northeast Development
The government plans to identify around 150 distinctive products from the Northeast for Geographical Indication (GI) status within the next two years, helping protect local heritage, improve branding, and open premium markets.
To strengthen research capacity, the North East Science and Technology (NEST) Cluster is being set up at IIT Guwahati with an outlay of ₹22.98 crore. The cluster will support:
• grassroots innovation and incubation
• semiconductor and AI technology hub
• centre of excellence for bamboo and eco-friendly materials
• entrepreneurship, skilling, and innovation networking across the region
The Northeast produces nearly 96% of India’s agarwood. With the national export quota raised sixfold, proposals are underway to develop agarwood clusters in Golaghat (Assam) and Kadamtala (Tripura) to organise cultivation, processing, and exports.
APSC relevance: GI protection, innovation clusters, value-added forest economy, Northeast development policy.
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