Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space and Vice President, CSIR, on 25 February 2024, inaugurated an awareness, training and lavender Quality Planting Material (QPM) distribution programme. The programme is being held under the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR–IIIM) Aroma Mission at Basohli. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra, who was the Chief Guest, said, “The agri-startup from the region is the outcome of CSIR-IIIM activities under Aroma Mission, which now takes root in Basohli thus empowering the farmers for a sustainable future.”

Appreciating the efforts of CSIR-IIIM achievement under the Aroma Mission, the minister said that the lavender cultivation now has been spread to Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and other northeastern states. “Such initiatives not only promote sustainable farming practices but also create new income opportunities for the community,” he said. Dr Singh said that the successful launch of the Aroma Mission Awareness programme in Basohli, Kathua signifies the institute’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and its collaborative approach with the government and farmers. “This initiative has the potential to create a ripple effect, inspiring other communities to adopt eco-friendly farming practices and contribute to a more sustainable future for the region,” he added. According to a statement issued by the institute, the programme, aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices, drew a crowd of enthusiastic farmers and dignitaries, marking a significant step towards a greener future for the region. Prominent among others present were Col. Mohan Singh, Chairman, DDC Kathua, Tajinder Singh, Reeta Thakur and Narayan Dutt Tripathi (All DDC members).

Earlier, Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, in his welcome address, said CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, besides doing cutting-edge Science, has been actively involved in the CSIR Aroma Mission and CSIR Floriculture Mission, which have far-reaching impact on the economic development and rural prosperity. “In the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, the CSIR-IIIM assures full support and appeals to the farmers, who are real stakeholders of these missions, to effectively join with the institute to take forward the activities under such societal projects,” he said.

More than 750 farmers, including the women from self-help groups of NRLM from various areas of Basohli and Bani, participated in the event and received quality planting material of lavender from the Chief Guest for cultivation in their fields, according to the statement. The technical sessions coordinated by Dr Suphla Gupta, Nodal Scientist Aroma Mission, and Dr Saurabh Saran, Principal Scientist, also provided valuable guidance on cultivation techniques, timing, potential uses and practical insights into planting techniques and cultivation practices. Dr Rajinder Bhanweria, Dr V P Rahul, and Er Ankush Varma also delivered expert talks in the technical session.