Lavender Gave Bhaderwah a National Identity, Economic Boost: Dr. Jitendra Singh at Lavender Festival 2025

By Taaza Wire | June 1, 2025

Bhaderwah Blooms with Opportunity

A serene Himalayan town hidden in Jammu & Kashmir, Bhaderwah is now bathed in purple hues. With its successful lavender cultivation revolution, the district has acquired a national identity– and a leading position in India’s development story. This achievement was marked at the Lavender Festival 2025, which was inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on June 1.

“Lavender has not just added fragrance to these mountains—it has added identity, income, and inspiration,” said Dr. Singh.

Lavender Revolution: More Than Just a Fragrance

The two-day festival, which was organized by CSIR-IIIM, reflected the potential of lavender to boost rural economies, generate employment, and motivate youth-led Agri-startups. Dr. Jitendra Singh believes that the lavender program is an ideal example of rural innovation, sustainability, and self-reliance.

“This single mission has answered multiple challenges,” he said, calling it proof that startups aren’t limited to tech or foreign degrees.

₹65 Lakh Annual Income? Yes, It’s Possible

Young entrepreneurs in Bhaderwah are now earning up to ₹65 lakhs annually through lavender farming and its value-added products like oils, cosmetics, and sachets. The shift from conventional jobs to agri-entrepreneurship is a growing trend, inspired by government-backed support, innovation hubs, and real profits.

Modi’s Mann Ki Baat Shines Spotlight on Bhaderwah

Dr. Singh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving Bhaderwah a nationwide stage during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast, dedicating nearly 10 minutes to this purple revolution.

“That kind of publicity is priceless. It put Bhaderwah on the global map,” he emphasized.

50 Distillation Units & Nationwide Demand

The minister disclosed that 50 distillation units of lavender are in full operation in Bhaderwah. The products now reach prominent Indian markets such as Maharashtra, and demand has been increasing from adjacent states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and from North-Eastern States.

“What you’re seeing is a scalable, sustainable rural startup revolution,” said Dr. Singh.

Age No Bar: Startups for Everyone

Shattering another myth, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the subsequent edition of the festival will feature a special show for 60+ age entrepreneurs — as proof that innovation never gets old.

Lavender and India’s Economic Growth

Dr. Singh attributed Bhaderwah’s achievement to India’s overall economic upsurge. As the nation just transitioned from ranking as the 5th to the 4th largest economy in the world, such bottom-up initiatives as lavender farming are serving as pillars of India’s value chain and employment driver.

“These unexplored areas, when empowered, become centers of value addition and job creation,” he said.

Visit Bhaderwah During Lavender Bloom!

Dr. Singh invited people to visit the blooming lavender fields within the next 10–15 days and termed it as a chance to meet actual rural entrepreneurs and witness innovation at the grassroots.

Conclusion: A Purple Future

From the forgotten hills to national front pages, Bhaderwah’s lavender revolution is a scented saga of vision, innovation, and empowerment. It’s not farming — it’s re-writing the future of rural India.

Stay tuned to Taaza Wire for more inspiring stories from every corner of India — fresh, fearless, and full of impact.