The North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, inaugurated a Common Facility Centre (CFC) at East Siang, Arunachal Pradesh. The Centre has been established with funding support under the PM‑DevINE Scheme of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
The CFC has been set up under the project “NECTAR Livelihood Improvement Project – A Value Chain on Utilization of Banana Pseudostem for Value-Added Products,” aimed at transforming agricultural waste into sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill development, value addition, and enterprise promotion across the Northeast.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Tenzing Norbu Thongdok, Hon’ble Member of the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished dignitaries included Shri Gegong Apang, former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Omak Apang, former Union Minister of State for Tourism; Ms. A. Dhanalakshmi, Joint Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India; Ms Sonalika Jiwani, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of East Siang District, and Dr. P. L. N. Raju, Special Secretary, Science and Technology Department, Government of Assam, along with other senior officials and representatives from central and state organization.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma, Director General, NECTAR, highlighted that the initiative addresses a critical gap in agricultural waste management by converting banana pseudostem (which is traditionally discarded) into marketable products such as natural fiber, biodegradable sheets, and handmade paper. He emphasized the model’s potential for replication across the North East, enabling both environmental sustainability and income generation.
In his address, Shri Tenzing Norbu Thongdok emphasized that such initiatives are crucial for unlocking the economic potential of the North Eastern Region. He highlighted that value addition to locally available resources, supported by technology and skill development, can significantly enhance rural incomes and promote sustainable industrial growth. He further noted that Common Facility Centres like this will play a key role in strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship and advancing the vision of an Aatmanirbhar North East.
Shri Gegong Apang appreciated NECTAR’s efforts in bringing technology-driven interventions to rural communities, noting that such projects not only create livelihood opportunities but also empower farmers and local youth by integrating traditional practices with modern techniques.
Shri Omak Apang remarked that initiatives like the CFC can open new avenues for rural enterprise and eco-friendly products, with strong potential for market linkages and tourism-driven demand in the region. He emphasized the importance of promoting locally made, sustainable products at a larger scale.
Highlighting the role of science and technology, Ms A. Dhanalakshmi stated that NECTAR’s interventions demonstrate how research-led innovations can be effectively translated into field-level applications, benefiting farmers and entrepreneurs across the region.
Following the inauguration of the CFC, dignitaries toured the facility, observed live demonstrations, and interacted with local entrepreneurs, farmers, and self-help groups engaged under the project. A key highlight was the demonstration of banana fiber extraction machinery by the NECTAR team, showcasing the operational readiness and production potential of the CFC, with a strong focus on technology deployment, capacity building, and enterprise development.
The establishment of this CFC marks a significant step towards leveraging region-specific resources and technologies to promote rural livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and sustainable waste management. As one of twelve centres planned under the PM-DevINE initiative, it reflects the Government’s continued commitment to inclusive and technology-driven development in the North Eastern Region.