Latest news with #PurpleRevolution
Deccan Herald
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
A quaint J&K town is turning purple with prosperity thanks to lavender culture
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'.
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
NDTV
02-06-2025
- 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.
India Gazette
01-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Lavender gave small J&K town of Bhaderwah national identity, role in India's economic growth: Jitendra Singh
New Delhi [India], June 1 (ANI): Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh praised the Agri-Startup model of Lavender farming as a transformative force that has rewritten the narrative of entrepreneurship in remote and hilly terrains, saying that Lavender has given the small J&K town of Bhaderwah a national identity and also a national role in India's economic growth. 'Bhaderwah, once a quiet hilly town, is now a beacon of India's rural startup revolution. Lavender has not just added fragrance to these mountains--it has added identity, income, and inspiration,' said Singh while inaugurating 2-day Lavender festival 2025 organized by CSIR- IIIM Jammu in Bhaderwah town of Jammu. 'This single mission has answered multiple challenges,'Jitendra Singh said, 'It busted the myth that StartUps are limited to IT or require foreign degrees. Our youth in Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with CSIR-IIIM, have shown that passion, perseverance, and learning can build sustainable ventures rooted in agriculture.' He proudly shared that young entrepreneurs in Bhaderwah are earning an average of Rs 65 lakhs annually through lavender cultivation and value-added products, motivating many others to leave conventional jobs and pursue farming as a lucrative business opportunity, according to the Ministry of Science & Technology. Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing Bhaderwah and the Purple Revolution to the national stage. 'When the Prime Minister dedicated nearly ten minutes in his 'Mann Ki Baat' to talk about this Lavender mission in detail, it gave the best possible global introduction to Bhaderwah--one that we couldn't have imagined,' Singh said. The Minister emphasised that it was PM Modi's vision of StartUp India and StandUp India, announced from the ramparts of the Red Fort, that ignited the entrepreneurial spirit in regions that previously needed long explanations to justify their existence on the developmental map. Singh revealed that there are currently 50 distillation units operational in Bhaderwah, with lavender-derived products being supplied to markets in Maharashtra and other states. The model has not only attracted attention from neighboring states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, but also from the North-Eastern states, whose representatives were present at the festival to gain first-hand insights. 'This is a new paradigm the world is witnessing - a rural, agriculture-based startup revolution that is both scalable and sustainable,' he remarked. Another myth that Jitendra Singh addressed was the misconception that StartUps are only for the young. He shared that a special exhibition featuring 60+ age group entrepreneurs will be showcased in the next edition of the festival. Drawing a broader economic context, Singh said, 'India has moved from the 5th largest to the 4th largest economy, and sectors like lavender cultivation will further fuel our rise. These unexplored areas, when empowered, will become pillars of value addition and employment generation.' He also addressed skepticism around India's economic resilience amid aggressive defence postures. 'Despite challenging times and operations like Sindoor, India's economy has not only remained buoyant but also grown. That is a fitting reply to skeptics,' he asserted. Concluding his address, Singh praised Dr Zabeer and the CSIR-IIIM team for organizing an unprecedented event in Bhaderwah that drew visitors from all over India. He invited everyone to visit the lavender fields over the next 10-15 days during peak bloom and hear directly from the entrepreneurs themselves. (ANI)
