BHADERWAH, Jun 6: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday inaugurated the two-day 4th Lavender Festival 2026 in Bhaderwah, describing the town as a shining example of technology-driven rural transformation and a key contributor to India’s startup ecosystem.
Organised by the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine under the theme “Lavender Goes Global”, the festival celebrates Bhaderwah’s transformation from a traditional agricultural region into the country’s leading hub for lavender cultivation and aroma-based entrepreneurship.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Singh said the Purple Revolution has given Bhaderwah a distinct national identity and demonstrated how scientific innovation can create sustainable livelihoods in remote mountainous regions. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Startup India vision for the success of the Lavender Mission.
The Minister highlighted the growing economic impact of lavender cultivation, noting that young entrepreneurs are generating significant incomes through cultivation, processing and marketing of value-added products. He said the Bhaderwah model is now being replicated in several Himalayan and northeastern states.
Dr. Singh also pointed to major infrastructure improvements in the Doda region, particularly work on National Highway-244, saying enhanced connectivity is opening new opportunities for economic growth and development.
Director General of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, N. Kalaiselvi, said the Purple Revolution has become a landmark example of scientific research benefiting grassroots communities and strengthening rural livelihoods.
Earlier, Director CSIR-IIIM Zabeer Ahmed said lavender cultivation under the CSIR Aroma Mission has expanded to nearly 1,500 hectares, benefiting more than 4,500 farming families. He added that over 4,000 kilograms of lavender oil have been produced, generating cumulative revenues exceeding ₹18 crore.
The festival featured exhibitions showcasing lavender oil, perfumes, cosmetics, herbal products and startup innovations developed under the Aroma Mission. The event also included institutional presentations, signing of MoUs, launch of new lavender-based products and felicitation of progressive farmers and successful startups.
Among those present were Mithun Manhas, MLAs Daleep Singh Parihar and Shakti Raj Parihar, senior scientists, researchers, startup founders and representatives of farmer groups and the aroma industry.
