The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, is set to organize the 3rd Lavender Festival on June 1^st and 2^nd at the Government Degree College, Bhaderwah, in District Doda. Addressing the media during the curtain raiser event of Lavender Festival organised at Jammu, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, told that 3^rd Lavender Festival will be inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Vice President CSIR.

Dr. Ahmed also said that under the CSIR-Aroma Mission, a flagship programme of Union Ministry of Science & Technology, which was closely mentored by Dr. Jitendra Singh Union Minister and Vice President CSIR, CSIR-IIIM has played a pivotal role in empowering rural communities through the cultivation of lavender by engaging over 5,000 farmers and young entrepreneurs in remote areas, providing free Quality Planting Material (QPM) and complete technological support, covering cultivation, processing, value addition, and marketing. Under this mission, more than 50 distillation units across J&K were installed to support local-level processing of lavender produce. He added that the Tehsil Bhaderwah in District Doda has emerged as a model region under the mission, wherein farmers have sold quality planting material (QPM) of Lavender worth over ₹1 crore. Local growers have produced 1,500 kilograms of lavender oil and 93,000 kilograms of dried lavender flowers, which were successfully marketed. A total business turnover of ₹10.5 crore has been recorded, highlighting the mission’s substantial socio-economic impact. The initiative has not only boosted income levels but also fostered women’s empowerment, with increased participation of women in lavender farming and related enterprises.

Director, CSIR-IIIM also pointed out that this year’s festival will be unique in many ways, as it celebrates the growing success of lavender cultivation under the CSIR-Aroma Mission, not only across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir but also in extended regions such as Uttarakhand and the North-Eastern states.

The primary objective of the Lavender Festival is to celebrate this success and further promote agri-based entrepreneurship in aromatic crops. Several farmers who earlier practiced traditional farming have successfully transitioned to lavender cultivation, with many now running their own entrepreneurial ventures. The event will bring together a diverse group of participants, including, Farmers, Scientists and Researchers, Startups and Industrialists, Policy makers and civil society representatives from across the country. The festival will also host a Agri Startup Expo, showcasing innovations in value-added products and technologies related to lavender. Prominent startups participating in the Expo include: M/s JK Aroma, M/s Heopcl, M/s Ridayu Botanics Pvt. Ltd, M/s NITCO (Doda Herb Producers), CSIR labs. Aroma and Floriculture Mission, M/s Hapico Industries Pvt. Ltd., M/s Gleen Biotech Pvt. Ltd., M/s Essential Ayurveda, M/s Gaurico, M/s JCM Meera World.

The organizers have issued invitations to all stakeholders, academicians, scientists, policy makers, startups, early-stage entrepreneurs, industry representatives, students and members of civil society. The Lavender Festival aims to serve as a catalyst in transforming the agro-economy of the region, with potential for long-term national economic impact. During the press briefing, “Lavender Festival 2025” portal was launched, and the Lavender Festival Brochure was also released.

The Festival is being organized under the patronage of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General CSIR & Secretary to GoI, DSIR, and overall supervision of Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, assisted by his team of HoDs and Scientists including Er. Abdul Rahim, Dr. Asha Chaubey, Dr. Dhiraj Vyas, Dr. Shashank Singh, Dr. Sumit Gandhi, Dr. Naveed Qazi, Dr. Suphla Gupta, Dr. Saurabh Saran, Dr. Raj Kishore, Ajay Kumar, CoFA, Rajesh Gupta and Ashok Kumar.