Today: 30 August 2025
12 November 2022
3 mins read

Purple Revolution Fuels Agri-Tech Start Ups in Kashmir

Farmers are switching to lavender plantation in Kashmir as traditional crops yield poor results. The Purple Revolution is offering attractive agri-tech start-up options in Jammu & Kashmir…. A special report by Arifa Mohiyudeen

Lavender adds vivacity to the serene beauty of Jammu & Kashmir and now the Union Territory is witnessing ‘Purple Revolution’, which will offer attractive start-up options.

Mr Jitendra Singh, Indian Minister for Science and Technology, had said those who have entered the lavender sector are making a fortune out of it. But a wider publicity and awareness about these new opportunities of livelihood rolled out in recent years is required.

“The pace of innovation in India has assumed global scale, but the change of mindset also needs to be encouraged at the same pace,” he said.

Farmers in Bhaderwah — located in Jammu division of the union territory —switched to Lavender plantation from traditionally growing maize and other grains, which did not fetch them much income.

Singh said several pathbreaking decisions like new guidelines for geospatial technology and relaxation in the regulations for developing drone are also enabling provisions for today’s agriculture entrepreneurs and agri-startups.

 “Bhaderwah is the potential destination of agri-tech startups of the country,” the minister said. “Lavender Festival in the valley of Bhaderwah is the best example of the development of the present progressive government at the centre. Bhaderwah is the best place for lavender cultivation in terms of land and climate.”

Mr Jitendra Singh, Indian Minister for Science and Technology, inaugurating the Lavender Festival (File)

In 2010, these purple flowers were brought to the Jammu region from Kashmir, as part of the central government’s attempts to uplift the local farming community and attract start-ups and agriculturists from across the country.

This was done as part of the ‘Aroma Mission’ of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), under India’s Ministry of Science and Technology.

 “Policy makers and agricultural scientists in India are working hard on improving livelihoods and creating more and better jobs, including for women and youth, improving food security for all, including access to safe and nutritious food and making agriculture and food more sustainable and more climate-smart, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Singh said.

A group of farmers from Bhaderwah region were selected for a trial programme where they were given 2-3 kanals of land for cultivating Lavender.

These initiatives, coupled with the enthusiasm of the farmers, has boosted Lavender plantations in the Bhaderwah region, a growth coined as the ‘Purple Revolution’. Currently, there are more than 200 acres of land dedicated to Lavender cultivation in the region, which is projected to double by the end of the year, reported The Print.

In the region, villages of Tipri and Lehrote have 80 per cent farmers growing Lavender.

Singh had inaugurated India’s first ‘Lavender Festival’ at Bhaderwah.

“Lavender is an avenue of employment generation and research opening many paradigms of development for the region,” Singh had said at the time.

The minister had also inaugurated six distillation units for extraction of Lavender oil.

Bhaderwah, which is also known as ‘Chhota Kashmir’, has a mild cold climate during summers that is ideal for Lavender. These flowers grow in temperate areas and are drought-resistant crops. A single Lavender plant bears flowers for 15 years, needs low maintenance and can be used from the second year of plantation, according to The Print.

Under the Centre’s ‘One District, One Product’ scheme, Lavender has been designated as the Doda brand product.

The Bhaderwah region witnessed a boom of Lavender flower production with the introduction of nurseries. With the establishment of nurseries, planting material became easily available for the farmers, compared to earlier when the plants were brought from Kashmir.

Previous Story

Most EU countries will be in recession in fourth quarter

Next Story

Beat Diabetes Walk in Dubai

Latest from -Top News

UAE champions global water cooperation at Stockholm

The United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its leadership role in advancing global water security through active participation in the 35th World Water Week in Stockholm…reports Asian Lite News The UAE emphasised that water

Egypt, UAE forge strong Arab unity

The Prime Minister emphasised that continued consultation and coordination between Cairo and Abu Dhabi are central to dealing with issues of common concern…reports Asian Lite News Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli has

Dubai Airshow to unveil flying future

Dubai Airshow 2025 will redefine the future of flight, showcasing eVTOLs, vertiports, and global innovations as the UAE cements itself as a leader in advanced air mobility….reports Asian Lite News Dubai is

Culture, careers and courage define Emirati women

The forum drew nearly 700 participants, including senior officials, government executives, academics and business leaders….reports Asian Lite News The Emirati Women’s Forum, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint

Power women take centre stage in Dubai

The forum marked the tenth anniversary of Emirati Women’s Day…reports Asian Lite News The Emirati Women’s Forum brought together leading voices from government, diplomacy, business, innovation, and youth to celebrate the achievements
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Kashmiris Observe Blackday To Remind Pak Atrocities

The event was organised on the anniversary of the Pakistani

As Kashmir Votes

Kashmiris vote in the local elections..