Applauds Dr. Jitendra, CSIR-IIIM Jammu for transforming aromatic farming into a catalyst for rural prosperity
JAMMU, Jun 8: Senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch Adv. Devraj Sharma has lauded the visionary leadership and tireless efforts of Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in making the Lavender Festival a resounding success and positioning Bhaderwah as the country’s leading centre of the Purple Revolution.
In a statement issued here, Sharma said that under the dynamic guidance of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Bhaderwah has emerged as a national model for agri-entrepreneurship, scientific farming, rural livelihood generation and sustainable economic growth. He noted that the Lavender Mission has not only transformed the agricultural landscape of the region but has also opened new avenues of income and self-employment for farmers, youth and women.
Adv. Sharma also highly appreciated the dedicated contribution of the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, whose scientific interventions, technical expertise and continuous support have played a pivotal role in popularizing lavender cultivation and other aromatic crops across the region.
He described the Lavender Festival as a unique platform that provided students, farmers, entrepreneurs and aspiring agri-startups with an invaluable opportunity to learn about the cultivation, processing and commercial potential of aromatic and medicinal plants, herbs and essential oil-bearing crops. The event, he said, effectively showcased the remarkable achievements of the Lavender Mission while highlighting value-addition opportunities and the immense future prospects of the sector.
“The transformation witnessed in Bhaderwah is a shining example of how science-driven agriculture can uplift rural communities and create sustainable livelihoods. The Lavender Festival has become a symbol of innovation, entrepreneurship and agricultural diversification,” Sharma remarked.
He further stated that the participation of scientists, industrial partners, progressive farmers and agricultural experts enriched the festival by providing firsthand insights into lavender cultivation, marketing strategies, essential oil extraction and entrepreneurship opportunities. Their experiences and success stories served as a source of inspiration for young farmers and students seeking to explore emerging opportunities in the agri-sector.
Adv. Devraj Sharma expressed confidence that the continued support of the Central Government, CSIR-IIIM Jammu and other stakeholders would further strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a premier destination for aromatic and medicinal plant cultivation, contributing significantly to the vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and a prosperous rural economy.