Why in News? 
 

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the Lavender Festival 2025 in Bhaderwah, Jammu, organized by CSIR–IIIM, highlighting the region’s rise as a national agri-business hub. 

Key Highlights 

• The festival promotes aromatic farming and is part of the Purple Revolution under the Aroma Mission, aimed at boosting farmers’ income through high-value crops like lavender. 
• Bhaderwah, once conflict-prone, is now known as the Lavender Capital of India. 

Lavender Cultivation 

• Grows well in J&K’s cold winters and mild summers. 
• Low-maintenance crop with 15 years of productive life from year two. 
• Provides higher income than traditional crops. 
• Lavender is used for oil extraction, and products like soaps, incense sticks, and medicines. 
• Lavender oil sells for approx. ₹10,000/litre.