Two-day lavender festival inaugurated in Bhaderwah

Tags: State News

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the two-day lavender festival at Bhaderwah in Jammu on 4th June.

An overview of the news

• He said Bhaderwah has emerged as the Lavender capital of India and Agri StartUp destination.

• CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu organized the event as part of its 'One Week One Laboratory' campaign.

• Dr Jitendra Singh described Bhaderwah as the birthplace of India's 'Purple Revolution' and a destination for agri-startups.

CSIR-Aroma Mission

• This is a flagship project of CSIR, under which lavender cultivation is being promoted in the temperate regions of Jammu and Kashmir region.

• The objective of this project is to increase the income of small and marginal farmers and to develop agri-based startups.

• The project is being directly monitored by the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh.

• Under his directions, lavender cultivation is being promoted at CSIR-IIIM Bhaderwah and other parts of J&K.

A specific species of lavender, RRL-12

• CSIR-IIIM has developed its own unique species of lavender (RRL-12) and cultivation technology of lavender.

• This species of lavender has proved very suitable for lavender cultivation in rainfed temperate regions of India.

• CSIR-IIIM initiated lavender cultivation under CSIR-Aroma Mission and provided more than 30 lakh lavender plants free of cost to the farmers of different districts of J&K.

What is lavender cultivation?

• Lavender is a popular aromatic herb known for its beautiful flowers and soothing fragrance. 

• It is widely cultivated for various purposes, including ornamental, culinary, and therapeutic uses. 

• It belongs to the Lamiaceae family.

• Lavender flowers are used to flavor various dishes, desserts and beverages.

• It is also a popular ingredient in teas and herbal infusions.

• Lavender oil is widely used in aromatherapy, perfumes, soaps, candles, and cosmetics.

• Some popular lavender varieties include English lavender, French lavender and Spanish lavender.