Latest news with #AromaMission
India Today
2 days ago
- 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.
