Latest news with #AromaMission
Deccan Herald
13-06-2025
- Health
- Deccan Herald
J&K farmers turn to lavender cultivation for better profits
The shift toward lavender began in the mid-2000s under the Union government's Aroma Mission, led by the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM).
NDTV
05-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
A Purple Revolution Is Brewing In J&K's Town, Thanks To Lavender Culture
Bhaderwah: A six-hour drive from Jammu leads to the quiet hilly town of Bhaderwah, which is blanketed in purple this time of year, thanks to the sea of lavender spread across the town, giving a new identity to the place. From using lavender in traditional Dogri embroidery to making essential oils, beauty products and food syrups infused with this flowering plant, Bhaderwah, once known for its maize fields, is embracing lavender to bring about an economic transformation to their small town. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who inaugurated the Lavender Festival 2025 in Bhaderwah, called the town the Lavender Capital of India and the birthplace of the country's 'Purple Revolution'. The Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), under CSIR, introduced the aromatic flower to the temperate areas of Jammu through the Aroma Mission, following earlier trials in Kashmir in the 1980s and 1990s. The seeds were first planted in 2017 when farmers in Bhaderwah, the small town in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, decided to experiment with lavender, a crop previously unheard of in the region, CSIR-IIIM Director Zabeer Ahmad told PTI. Many farmers gave up traditional crops like paddy and maize, which were being increasingly destroyed by monkeys and other animals. "Back then, monkeys used to destroy our maize crops. The lavender's strong scent keeps them away," Ahmad said, adding that this crop has given them peace, income, and purpose. Arjun Raina, founder of Ridayu Botanics and CEO of Girdharilal Holistics (Kisan Udyami), told PTI that he started lavender farming with his grandfather Girdharilal in 2017 when he was just in Class 10. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when demand for natural and medicinal products surged, the idea took shape. "Last year, I began focusing on value addition and started making more from this flower rather than just growing it. We developed products like soaps, bath salts, shampoos, and food syrups for coffee lattes, mocktails, and cocktails," he said. Singh, who represents the Udhampur parliamentary constituency, which also covers Doda, said, "Lavender has not just added fragrance to these mountains, it has added identity, income, and inspiration." He noted that young entrepreneurs are now earning an average of Rs 65 lakh annually through value-added lavender products. Stating that Bhaderwah's transformation has been both cultural and economic, Singh said, "What started as a risk has grown into a revolution, often called the Purple Revolution." Singh also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat address, where the lavender mission was highlighted, for putting Bhaderwah on the national map. Highlighting how the lavender culture has brought new opportunities for the people in the town, Singh pointed out that farming was not the only option anymore for a lot of people here. "This small town, once known for the migration of its youth, is now seeing many return, as the initiative has become a hub of employment, especially for women," he said. The government has provided free lavender saplings, oil distillation units, and end-to-end support from cultivation to marketing, bringing about a transformation in the lives of the locals here. Fatima, a 39-year-old farmer, shared, "I belong to a family where everyone is into farming. My father was a farmer, and my husband is a farmer. Now he has switched to lavender farming." She recalled their initial apprehension about this change, saying, "When he first decided to take it up, we were scared because we had no idea how it would turn out. But now, while my husband handles the farming, I create candles and incense sticks using lavender oil." She noted that lavender is gradually becoming an integral part of Bhaderwah's cultural heritage. "Just like Dogri traditions where makhmali (velvet) was used in traditional embroidery, lavender is now being imprinted in designs and even incorporated into traditional khadi," she said. According to the farmers of Doda district, who are growing lavender under the Union government's Aroma Mission, the unconventional farming of aromatic plants has helped them become 'atmanirbhar'. 2017 was the turning point when a large number of farmers began cultivating lavender in the valley, officials say. Families in the region are ecstatic with their youth returning home from cities, drawn by the potential of this new crop. The younger generation is not only assisting on the farms but also bringing fresh ideas and exploring innovative ways to add value to the lavender-based products. Lavender was introduced to the temperate regions of the Jammu division by IIIM under the CSIR-Aroma Mission. The institute initially tried to popularise it in Doda, Kishtwar, and Rajouri districts. Finding a suitable cold climate and favourable growing conditions, a few small and marginal farmers in the Bhaderwah region took the risk and switched to lavender cultivation in 2017. Until then, maize was their primary crop. Singh said things have changed for the better, as the new generation and entrepreneurs are happily working in lavender fields. "This not only provides them with a chance to multiply their income but also helps them generate employment for others." The minister further pointed out how the government is providing complete assistance, including funding, technology and marketing, to the farmers associated with lavender so they do not face any problems at any stage. The CSIR-Aroma Mission has been instrumental in promoting lavender cultivation in the temperate regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Its primary goal is to increase the income of small and marginal farmers and support the growth of agriculture-based startups, officials added.
India Today
03-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Dr Jitendra Singh backs purple revolution at lavender fest in Jammu's Bhaderwah
The Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Monday visited the Bhaderwah valley in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir and participated in the annual Lavender Festival, symbolising the government's push for the 'Purple Revolution' in the event reflects a growing emphasis on agri-based innovation, local entrepreneurship, and economic upliftment in the Union local farmers and security personnel amid blooming lavender fields, Dr Singh praised the region's transformation under the Purple Revolution, an initiative under the Aroma Mission that promotes high-value aromatic crops like lavender to boost rural incomes. Bhaderwah, once impacted by conflict, has now emerged as India's lavender capital. 'This is the new story of Jammu and Kashmir where fields bloom with lavender and opportunities,' he said, lauding efforts by local farmers and CSIR for spearheading the Singh highlighted the Modi government's efforts to transform the economy of Jammu and Kashmir through technology, agriculture, and national security measures. He linked the region's development drive to the recent Operation Sindoor, calling it a milestone in India's technological and defence capabilities.'The world has seen the might of indigenous technology during Operation Sindoor. Our defence capability today is powered not just by weapons, but by innovation,' he said. advertisementHe also said that the operation displayed India's ability to conduct precision strikes without foreign dependence, boosting national morale.'This is New India – secure at its borders and strong in its economy,' he India's stance on PoK, Dr Singh invoked the 1994 Parliamentary resolution, stating, 'Taking back PoK is a matter of national consensus, not politics.'He stated that the government remains committed to this goal as part of its broader vision for national integrity and Lavender Festival, held annually to promote aromatic farming, marks a vital part of the 'Purple Revolution' a central initiative under the Aroma Mission to boost farmer incomes through high-value crops. Bhaderwah has emerged as the lavender capital of India, turning many former conflict-ridden villages into hubs of agro-based visit and the festival reflect a broader strategy to position Jammu and Kashmir as both a security stronghold and a model of grassroots economic development, signalling New Delhi's evolving approach to the Watch
United News of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Aroma Mission: Over 50 distillation units installed in J&K, Jitendra to inaugurate Lavender Fest on June 1: Official
Jammu, May 28 (UNI) Ahead of two-day Third Lavender Festival being hosted by the CSIR-IIIM Jammu at Bhaderwah on June 1 and 2, a senior official of the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu on Wednesday said that more than 50 lavender produce distillation units are installed under Aroma Mission across the Jammu and Kashmir. The two days festival will be inaugurated by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on June 1 at Government Degree College, Bhaderwah along with Vice President, CSIR, DG CSIR, Directors of CSIR Labs, Industrialists, Policy Makers, Scientists, Startups and Members of Civil Society. 'Under this mission, more than 50 distillation units across J&K were installed to support local-level processing of lavender produce,' Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM here said. He revealed that the CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, is set to organize the third Lavender Festival 2025 on June 1 and 2 at the Government Degree College, Bhaderwah, in District Doda of Jammu and Kashmir to be inaugurated by the Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh. Dr. Zabeer Ahmed highlighted that this year's festival will be unique in many ways, as it celebrates the growing success of lavender cultivation under the CSIR-Aroma Mission, not only across the Jammu and Kashmir but also in extended regions such as Uttarakhand and the North-Eastern states. 'Under the CSIR-Aroma Mission, CSIR-IIIM has played a pivotal role in empowering rural communities through the cultivation of lavender by engaging over 5,000 farmers and young entrepreneurs in remote areas, providing free Quality Planting Material (QPM) and complete technological support, covering cultivation, processing, value addition, and marketing,' he revealed. Dr. Zabeer shared that Tehsil Bhaderwah has emerged as a model region under the mission, wherein farmers have sold QPM worth over ₹1 crore. Local growers have produced 1,500 kilograms of lavender oil and 93,000 kilograms of dried lavender flowers, which were successfully marketed, he said adding, 'a total business turnover of ₹10.5 crore has been recorded, highlighting the mission's substantial socio-economic impact.' The initiative has not only boosted income levels but also fostered women's empowerment, with increased participation of women in lavender farming and related enterprises, he stated. The Director said that the primary objective of the Lavender Festival is to celebrate this success and further promote agro-based entrepreneurship in aromatic crops. Several farmers who earlier practiced traditional farming have successfully transitioned to lavender cultivation, with many now running their own entrepreneurial ventures, he said. The event will bring together a diverse group of participants, including, Farmers, Scientists and Researchers, Startups and Industrialists, Policy makers and civil society representatives from across the country and the festival will also host a Agri-Startup Expo, showcasing innovations in value-added products and technologies related to lavender. 'Participation is open to start-ups, early-stage entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders while the Lavender Festival aims to serve as a catalyst in transforming the agro-economy of the region, with potential for long-term national economic impact,' he said.
Hans India
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Time to open the gates: Union Minister calls for science-industry synergy
Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the time has come for Indian Science to break silos and integrate with stakeholders including industry, investors, and the public. During the Startup Conclave, jointly organised by CSIR-IICT, CSIR-CCMB, and CSIR-NGRI, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that India is currently experiencing a significant moment in science and innovation. Speaking to a diverse audience of scientists, entrepreneurs, students, and policymakers, he praised the collaborative effort of the three Hyderabad-based CSIR labs, highlighting that this 'integrated scene of science and governance under one roof' aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for collaborative and inclusive innovation. Dr Singh made a compelling case for changing the outdated perception of government labs as 'ghost-haunted places where frogs are dissected.' He recounted how misinformation and a lack of public engagement had led villagers to misunderstand the work conducted at CSIR labs. He stated, 'Science should not be confined behind gates. If your focus is on agriculture, invite the farmers in. Let them see what you're doing.' He stressed the importance of involving industry early and deeply in research and innovation, referencing the success of CSIR's Aroma Mission, which has enabled over 3,000 youth—many of whom are non-graduates—to become successful agri-entrepreneurs with minimum annual earnings of Rs 60 lakh. 'That's real transformation—a blend of technology, livelihood, and dignity,' he asserted. Reflecting on the rapid growth of India's biotechnology sector, Dr. Singh noted that in 2014, there were only 50 biotech startups, compared to over 10,000 today. 'It's not just about numbers. We've transitioned from a valuation of $10 billion to nearly $170 billion in biotech. This isn't just growth; it's a revolution,' he stated, highlighting government initiatives such as Bio-E3 and the National Quantum Mission. Dr Singh expressed concern over the internal compartmentalisation within CSIR and even within his own Ministry. To address this, he has begun holding monthly joint meetings involving all science departments, including Atomic Energy, Space, and Biotechnology, to ensure that overlapping initiatives are coordinated rather than duplicated. 'How can we compete globally if we don't even know what our neighboring lab is doing?' he questioned. He also announced plans to open up the nuclear sector, noting that a new approach has replaced the previous secrecy surrounding scientific endeavours. 'When Google can peek into our lives, what's the point of denying access to potential collaborators in the name of confidentiality?' he asked. Dr Singh advocated for realistic, demand-driven innovation, urging, 'Let the industry do the mapping. Let them invest from day one. If they invest Rs 20, they'll ensure your startup doesn't fail.' He encouraged researchers to view industry not just as customers but as co-investors. In a candid moment, he acknowledged that while the government has significantly increased funding—CSIR and DSIR budgets have risen over 230 per cent since 2014—true sustainability depends on self-sufficiency and collaboration between the public and private sectors. 'You can start a startup, but sustaining it is the challenge. Social and economic security must match ambition,' he remarked. Dr Singh highlighted that Hyderabad, with its unique combination of scientific heritage and technological prowess, is ideally positioned to lead India's science-led development agenda. 'This is not just about Hyderabad or CSIR; it's about India stepping out of the shadows and taking charge of the global innovation narrative,' he declared. The event took place at a pivotal moment when India's Global Innovation Index has surged from 81 to 39 in less than a decade, marking a significant step in the government's mission to democratise science, empower youth, and establish India as a global innovation leader.
