Shillong: Union Minister for DoNER and Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, launched the North East Region Agri Commodity E-Connect (NERACE) web portal and mobile application during his visit to the North Eastern Council, Shillong, on Friday. This initiative aims to benefit the farming community and buyers in the Northeastern region.
The NERACE app supports agricultural and horticultural products such as spices, fruits, vegetables, pulses, cereals, and minor forest products. It aims to provide farmers with access to larger markets, better negotiation opportunities, premium pricing, and real-time availability updates. Buyers will have direct access to verified sellers, high-quality products, transaction planning, negotiations, and logistics support, fostering long-term relationships.
The Northeast region currently boasts 20 GI products that are exotic, high-value, and rich in health benefits. The platform will offer support in English, Hindi, Assamese, Mizo, Manipuri, Nepali, and Khasi languages.
Speaking on the benefits of the NERACE web portal and app, Minister Scindia said, “The dream of a self-reliant India—Atmanirbhar Bharat—and a developed India—Viksit Bharat—can only be realized when we have a self-reliant and developed Northeast. This reality is wholly dependent on the self-reliant and developed farmers of the Northeast. Through the NERACE app, farmers in the Northeast will be connected to markets not only within the region and the country but also globally. This app will enhance the ability of farmers to reach the world, connecting producers, buyers, and service providers, and instilling pride in the agricultural community.”
Minister Scindia highlighted that NERACE will play a pivotal role in positioning the Northeast as a hub of high-value horticultural products. It will enable the region’s farmers to become reliable partners in the international agricultural value chain.
Scindia also chaired a review meeting of ongoing schemes and projects, during which Shri Angshuman Dey, Secretary of NEC, presented the first draft of the NER Vision 2047, with contributions from Professor Mahendra Lama, Chairman of the Drafting Committee. The vision document outlines eight goals for the development of the Northeast Region, including establishing it as a South Asian power hub, leveraging border areas as opportunities, promoting it as a green destination, creating an economic corridor, becoming a center for climate studies for the Indian Himalayan Region, developing medical and adventure tourism, serving as a melting pot of youth and culture, and achieving a peace dividend.
The visit featured a tree plantation ceremony by the minister, dedicated to the memory of his mother under the “Ek Ped Maan Ke Naam” (One Tree in the Memory of Mother) program. He also interacted with local farmers who are beneficiaries of farming and agriculture projects funded by NEC.
Earlier on Friday, the DoNER Minister met with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to discuss core competencies and comparative advantages for the region. “As Minister of DoNER, I have outlined the path we need to take in the Northeast, considering each state’s comparative advantages. I am impressed with the plans the Chief Minister has for the new Shillong investment area,” he said, adding that they discussed building a new modern city with traditional strengths in tourism, agriculture, and IT.
“We will continue to work together, not only on particular projects for Meghalaya but also on a macro strategy for the Northeast states and their relationship with the rest of India and our immediate neighbors. There is a tremendous amount of work ahead, and I look forward to strategizing with the Chief Minister,” said Scindia.
The DoNER Minister emphasized the central government’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to bring the Northeast region to the forefront. “The Prime Minister has shifted from a Look East Policy to an Act East Policy. He envisions the Northeast as the gateway to India, given that it is the first place in the country to see the sunrise,” he stated.
He highlighted a significant increase in budget allocation to the region since 2014-15, citing that almost 40,000 km of roads have been built under PMGSY, and the number of airports in the Northeast has grown from nine to 17, with more infrastructural development planned.
Minister Scindia stressed the importance of an outcome-based approach. “We must focus on outcomes, not just outlays. We will ensure all states conduct social audits. Hospitals must have doctors and nurses, and schools must have teachers. It is crucial to track the number of patients treated and students taught as part of our progress.”
Regarding the ongoing flood situation across the Northeast, Scindia extended his deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. “State governments are working very hard to care for our citizens, and any assistance required from the central government and the DoNER Ministry will be provided,” he stated.
