Under the dynamic leadership of Dr Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Jammu and Kashmir is becoming a burgeoning hub for Agri Start-Ups and is making remarkable strides in the agricultural sector. Dr Singh highlighted that the Republic Day tableau at Kartavya Path, which features Bhaderwah's lavender farms and signifies the state's acknowledgment as the Purple Revolution's birthplace, is a perfect example of this progress.
Bhaderwah Success Story
The foundation of the Agri Start-Up hub was laid in Bhaderwah, a town in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, where lavender cultivation has been adopted on a large scale. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted this success story in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast, narrating the Aroma Mission undertaken by the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India.
Alternate Source for Economic Propulsion
Dr Singh highlighted that this endeavor provides India with an alternative source to propel its economy. Over 3,000 lavender entrepreneurs from Bhaderwah have not only showcased a successful model of Agri Start-Ups but have also opened up a new and lucrative avenue for the youth of India.
The lavender revolution in Bhaderwah has garnered national attention, with more than 3,000 youth from Jammu and Kashmir engaging in this mission. This agricultural initiative, an exclusive domain of India, contributes significant value addition to the country's future economic growth, aligning with PM Modi's vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
Expanding the Lavender Cultivation Movement
Speaking at a Kisan Sammelan organized by CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine in Hiranagar, Kathua, Dr Singh expressed delight at the recent Republic Day tableau depicting Bhaderwah's lavender farms. Drawing inspiration from the Aroma Mission's success, states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Nagaland have initiated lavender cultivation.
Dr Singh proudly stated that more than three thousand youth from Jammu and Kashmir are actively engaged in this mission, experiencing economic success. Lavender-made products from the region are selling in thousands, contributing rich revenue to the producers, especially in states like Maharashtra.
Government Support and Start-Up India Movement
The Union Minister attributed this success to the personal efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government's measures, including training for the youth, industry linkages for lavender products, and logistical support. He emphasized the pivotal role of the Purple Revolution in making India a developed nation by 2047.
Dr Singh emphasized the Agri Start-Up ecosystem's ability to create value to the economy and encouraged the younger generation to join it. To achieve the national objective of making India the world's most prosperous country in the next 25 years, he asked the youth to become involved.
