The Aroma Of Lavender- Here Is Everything You Need To Know About Purple Revolution
The term "purple revolution" comes from the color of the lavender flowers, which are a vibrant shade of purple. The movement was driven by a desire to create a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible industry that would benefit both the farmers and the consumers.
Kashmir, a state in India, is widely known for its abundance of medicinal plants, including lavender. Lavender is considered a valuable herb with potential benefits for both therapy and aromatherapy, and it has caught the attention of domestic and international markets.
Research has indicated that cultivating lavender can be a profitable endeavor for farmers, as long as there is a consistent demand and organized farming practices. To support the growth of lavender production and export, the Indian government has taken significant steps toward transformational changes.
What is the “Purple Revolution”?
The term "purple revolution" comes from the color of the lavender flowers, which are a vibrant shade of purple. The movement was driven by a desire to create a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible industry that would benefit both the farmers and the consumers.
The CSIR launched Phase II of the Aroma Mission on February 9, 2021, to employ over 45,000 skilled individuals and support over 75,000 agricultural households across the country.
This mission aims to increase the income of farmers and encourage the commercial cultivation of lavender. Lavender oil is the main commodity, which is sold for at least Rs. 10,000 per liter, along with other popular products such as medicines, incense sticks, soaps, and air fresheners. Lavender cultivation is cost-effective and yields immediate revenue, making it an attractive option for farmers.
The climate in Jammu and Kashmir is suitable for lavender cultivation as the plant can withstand both cold winters and pleasant summers. Furthermore, lavender is a low-maintenance crop that can be harvested from its second year of planting and can continue to blossom for up to fifteen years. Overall, lavender production provides better returns compared to other traditional crops.
Relevance of the Mission
The alignment of this initiative with the government's aim of doubling agricultural earnings by 2022 holds great significance.
It has the potential to offer a source of livelihood to aspiring farmers and agri-entrepreneurs while also bolstering the Start-Up India program and fostering an entrepreneurial culture in the region.
The Purple Revolution has already benefitted more than 500 young people, resulting in a significant increase in their income.
What is “Aroma Mission”?
The Aroma Mission, which is part of the Purple Revolution, seeks to revolutionize the fragrance industry by promoting the growth of the aroma sector and creating employment opportunities in rural areas. This will be achieved through targeted interventions at various stages such as cultivation, product refinement, market development, and expansion strategies for the lavender crop.
Successful implementation of Aroma Mission Phase 1 and Phase 2
The CSIR contributed to the cultivation of 6000 hectares of land in 46 Aspirational zones across the nation during Phase I of the Aroma Mission. They also provided training to almost 44,000 employees, equipping them with the necessary skills.
The CSIR launched Phase II of the Aroma Mission on February 9, 2021, to employ over 45,000 skilled individuals and support over 75,000 agricultural households across the country.
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