Latest news with #LavenderFestival
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
NDTV
2 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Drone Surveillance To Lavender Farming: Minister On J&K's Purple Revolution
NEW DELHI: As the tranquil lavender fields of Bhaderwah bloom, they tell a story far beyond beauty - one of empowerment, resilience, and strategic transformation. This year's Lavender Festival comes at a pivotal moment, marking a positive step forward for Jammu and Kashmir that was struggling to get back to normal after the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, shared insights on the role of advanced technology in securing India's borders, the critical contributions of ISRO, and the broader vision for a Viksit Bharat@2047. Dr. Singh, we are speaking to you today from the heart of the Lavender Festival. How has this 'Purple Revolution' transformed the economic landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, particularly for local farmers and youth? There were many apprehensions when we started. But today, Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir has not only earned a national identity but also plays a significant role in India's economic growth. Much of the credit goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his tenure, the "Aroma Mission" was launched, and he took personal interest in it. The concept was entirely new-moving from an agriculture-based startup to a lavender-based startup was an innovative experiment. The Prime Minister even spoke about it in his Mann Ki Baat and described the location of these lavender fields in Bhaderwah, Doda district, which happens to be my home district. It gives me great satisfaction to see that as India moves from being the fifth to the fourth largest economy, value addition is coming from previously underexplored resources - be it marine wealth, the blue economy, the Himalayan resources, or aroma-based agriculture. These are poised to be major contributors to India's economic future. Today, we have startup participants not only from J&K but also from Manipur, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. The project has been replicated across Himalayan states, and I believe it will serve as a torchbearer for the Himalayan region's contribution to India's economy. After Operation Sindoor, what, in your view, marks the most significant shift, especially now that we see festivals like this taking place? There is tremendous enthusiasm among the people - unshaken and unaffected by what happened during those four days. It is also a testament to the resilience of the Indian economy. Those who claimed that the economy would go haywire after a brief conflict have been proven wrong. Following Operation Sindoor, we have seen you visiting several areas and interacting with people. How has this transformation occurred? Thanks to improved connectivity and travel over the last 12 years. For example, reaching this place from Jammu used to take several hours; now it takes just three-and-a-half hours. All of this has happened in the last 10 years. This enhanced accessibility has boosted tourism. What used to be a sleepy town is now witnessing the arrival of five-star hotels-because investors see potential here. This is not only a symbol of rising aspirations and prosperity but also a reflection of the region's normalcy and its breathtaking natural beauty. Can you share a concrete example of how India's indigenous technologies-developed under your ministry - were used during Operation Sindoor for surveillance, logistics, or coordination? You'll be glad to know-and perhaps this isn't widely known -- that Jammu city was targeted by at least 300 drones within a single hour. Yet, not a single one managed to cause harm, thanks to our highly efficient Akash system and anti-drone technologies. This has given us the opportunity to demonstrate to both our citizens and the world that India holds a strong technological edge in modern, tech-driven warfare. All of this progress has taken place in the last 10 years. What are your top three priorities from the Ministry of Science & Technology that directly contributes to the 2047 vision, especially in sensitive regions like J&K and the northeast? I'd like to highlight that both the Department of Space and the Department of Atomic Energy have played vital roles, even during the recent conflict. These institutions are central to India's long-term development goals and strategic planning. What specific role did satellite technology from ISRO play in planning or executing Operation Sindoor? Any key missions or payloads you would like to mention? Satellite imaging is now so advanced that even global agencies have taken note. We began developing such capabilities much earlier than others. In fact, NASA has sought inputs from us. Around the end of the first week of June, we have a mission to the International Space Station with our own astronaut, Group Captain Shukla, onboard. He will be conducting biotech experiments in space, including research on seed growth and agricultural applications. This will be an area where India can carve out a unique domain in space-based biotech. As a native of Jammu and Kashmir and a Union Minister, what personal message would you like to share with the people of this region - after Operation Sindoor and during the Lavender Festival? This Lavender Festival is a beautiful opportunity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to connect with the rest of the country. It symbolizes peace, progress, and the promise of a brighter, more integrated future.
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.
