In Jammu and Kashmir, the two-day 4th Mega Lavender Festival concluded at Government Degree College Bhaderwah in Doda district on Sunday with enthusiastic participation from farmers, students, scientists, industrial partners, buyers, sellers and other stakeholders associated with the lavender and aromatic plant sector.
Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that on the concluding day, a series of technical sessions were conducted by senior scientists and specialists from CSIR-IIIM Jammu. Students and farmers were educated about the cultivation, processing and commercial potential of aromatic and medicinal plants, herbs and essential oil-bearing crops. Presentations highlighting the success of the Lavender Mission, value-addition opportunities and future prospects of the sector were also showcased. Scientists, industrial partners and progressive farmers shared their experiences and insights regarding lavender cultivation, marketing and entrepreneurship. In his concluding address, Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their active participation and support. He highlighted the remarkable success of the CSIR Aroma Mission and said “Bhaderwah has gained national and international recognition for its quality lavender production.” He reiterated CSIR-IIIM’s commitment to providing scientific support, advanced technologies and market linkages to farmers. He further emphasized the importance of diversifying into aromatic and medicinal crops to enhance farmers’ incomes and strengthen the rural economy. A productive interaction session was also held between farmers, buyers and sellers to discuss market opportunities, quality standards and future collaborations aimed at expanding the lavender value chain in the region. The festival concluded on a high note with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to further strengthen the Purple Revolution, promote lavender tourism, encourage agri-startups and establish Bhaderwah as a global destination for lavender cultivation and allied industries.
