The Indian Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) is set to implement a Lavender Cultivation initiative under its Aroma Mission in the Ramban district of Jammu Kashmir. This move is a part of the ‘Purple Revolution’, an endeavor launched by the Union Ministry of Science & Technology in 2016.
Understanding the Purple Revolution
Initiated by the Union Ministry of Science & Technology through the CSIR’s Aroma Mission, the Purple or Lavender Revolution aims at boosting domestic aromatic crop-based agro-economy by transitioning from imported aromatic oils to homegrown varieties. The principal product of this venture is Lavender oil, which is sold for at least Rs. 10,000 per litre. By-products such as lavender water and hydrosol, derived after distillation from the flowers, are used to manufacture incense sticks, soaps, and room fresheners.
The significant impact of this mission aligns with the government policy of doubling farm incomes by 2022. It is expected to provide livelihood opportunities to young farmers and agri-entrepreneurs, further encouraging the Start-Up India campaign and fostering entrepreneurship in the region.
A Brief on the CSIR Aroma Mission
Designed to bring about a significant transformation in the aroma sector, the CSIR Aroma Mission focuses on interventions in areas of agriculture, processing, and product development. This strategy is aimed at accelerating the growth of the aroma industry and generating rural employment.
The mission promotes cultivation of aromatic crops for essential oils which are in high demand in the aroma industry. In this process, it intends to make Indian farmers and the aroma industry global leaders in the production and export of certain essential oils.
Through its two phases, Aroma Mission Phase-I and II, the mission has made remarkable strides. During Phase-I, CSIR enabled the cultivation of 6000 hectares of land and trained more than 44,000 people. CSIR launched Phase-II on 9th February 2021, intending to engage over 45,000 skilled human resources and benefit more than 75,000 farming families across the country.
Role of Nodal Agencies
CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) in Lucknow serves as the nodal laboratory for this mission. Its responsibilities include providing technical and infrastructural support for distillation and value addition to farmers and growers across the country.
Expected Outcomes
The mission aspires to bring about 5500 hectares of additional area under captive cultivation of aromatic cash crops across the country, especially targeting rain-fed or degraded land. Furthermore, it aims to enable effective buy-back mechanisms to assure remunerative prices to the farmers and growers. Value addition to essential oils and aroma ingredients is also an expected outcome, which would aid their integration into global trade and economy.
