Jammu: Jammu Kashmir’s Doda is now known for producing lavender and earned a bright spot on the world map after the government launched the ‘Purple Revolution,’ Union Minister Jitendra Singh said.

“District Doda has today emerged on the world map because Bhaderwah has given the world lavender and 'Purple Revolution', which were showcased in the Republic Day parade at New Delhi and PM Narendra Modi spoke in detail about it in Mann Ki Baat," Singh said addressing a rally a massive public rally after inaugurating the Agri StartUp Exhibition in Doda district.

The lavender cultivation, harvesting, processing, and product development, taking lavender from lab to market, increasing the culture of Agri-start-ups in India, an objective aimed by Purple Revolution when it was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

“Earlier governments neglected the entire region of erstwhile Doda district and created social strife by playing politics of division, whereas under Prime Minister Narendra Modi we ensured equitable development and communal harmony,” he said.

The rally was attended by thousands of people, who had turned up from all parts of the twin districts of Kishtwar and Doda including Bhaderwah.

Dr Jitendra Singh said it would be difficult for the analysts to understand why Doda remained backward even though Doda has always sent a representative to both the Union Cabinet as well as in the State Cabinet.

Under Prime Minister Modi a different political culture of reaching out equally to all sections of people regardless of religion or caste has been adopted, the minister said.

He emphasized that the people of the Doda belt are traditionally peace-loving and patriotic, who refused to migrate even during the peak of militancy.

“New National Highway 244 from Khillani to Sudhmahadev touching Goha Kalota, approval of Chattergala tunnel and Kaljugar tunnel, series of hydropower projects and airport under Udaan in Kishtwar, centrally funded Medical College in Doda, High Altitude Medicine Plant in Bhaderwah, etc all happened in last 10 years,” Dr Jitendra said, enumerating the development works done in the region.

These projects in the Doda region launched in the last 10 years have not only brought about transformation but also changed the mindset, he said.

Various welfare schemes launched here, not only initiated social and economic transformation but also stimulated several semi-conscious aspirations, particularly in youth, which had been buried due to dismay and pessimism of the past.

The development projects initiated in the region have been carried out with an urge to serve the common people from the core of the heart and to provide the benefits rising above the politics of caste, creed and religion.

The Union Minister expressed happiness that Modi has been able to change the work culture and perception of democracy by undertaking all-round development and ensuring delivery of schemes as and where needed.

The Minister said that this constituency holds the distinction of being the lone Lok Sabha constituency where three medical colleges exist—in Doda, Kathua, and Udhampur.

The government has reignited those hopes which had faded, and rekindled aspirations among youth who had resigned to their fate due to the prevailing work environment.

On the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh also felicitated some young farmers who emerged as role models by increasing their produce with the help of various government schemes.

CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu celebrates the success of lavender cultivation bolstered by the 'Purple Revolution’ with farmers

DDC Chairman Doda Dhanater Singh Kotwal, CSIR-IIIM Director Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner, Doda Harvinder Singh, and Vice Chairperson, DDC Doda Sangeeta Rani Bhagat attended the event.

The occasion highlighted the positive impact of lavender cultivation on the local economy and agricultural landscape, symbolizing a significant step forward for farmers in Doda and nearby regions.

The event underscored the commitment of CSIR-IIIM towards playing a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agriculture and contributing to rural prosperity.

Dr. Zabeer Ahmed highlighted the significant research contributions of CSIR-IIIM in the fields of cancer medicines, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and addressing liver ailments, along with research on various diseases.

He also talked about two major initiatives, namely the “CSIR Aroma Mission” and “CSIR Floriculture Mission,” which are being mentored by Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh.

The event mainly highlighted the success of lavender cultivation with the farmers.

(With UNI inputs)