The two-day 4th Mega Lavender Festival concluded today at Government Degree College (GDC) Bhaderwah with enthusiastic participation from farmers, students, scientists, industrial partners, buyers, sellers and other stakeholders associated with the lavender and aromatic plant sector.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Sunil Kumar Bhutyal attended the valedictory function as the Guest of Honour. Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu Dr. Zabeer Ahmed senior scientists, experts, officials and members of the public were also present on the occasion.

 Addressing the gathering, ADC  Sunil Kumar Bhutyal appreciated the dedicated efforts of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu and the guidance of Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in making the Lavender Festival a grand success. “Bhaderwah has emerged as the country's leading hub of the Purple Revolution and a model for agri-entrepreneurship, rural livelihood generation and scientific farming,” he noted. 

On the concluding day, a series of technical sessions were conducted by senior scientists and specialists from CSIR-IIIM Jammu.

Students and farmers were educated about the cultivation, processing and commercial potential of aromatic and medicinal plants, herbs and essential oil-bearing crops. Presentations highlighting the success of the Lavender Mission, value-addition opportunities and future prospects of the sector were also showcased.

Scientists, industrial partners and progressive farmers shared their experiences and insights regarding lavender cultivation, marketing and entrepreneurship.

In his concluding address, Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their active participation and support. He highlighted the remarkable success of the CSIR Aroma Mission and said “Bhaderwah has gained national and international recognition for its quality lavender production.” He reiterated CSIR-IIIM's commitment to providing scientific support, advanced technologies and market linkages to farmers. He further emphasized the importance of diversifying into aromatic and medicinal crops to enhance farmers' incomes and strengthen the rural economy. A productive interaction session was also held between farmers, buyers and sellers to discuss market opportunities, quality standards and future collaborations aimed at expanding the lavender value chain in the region.

The festival concluded on a high note with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to further strengthen the Purple Revolution, promote lavender tourism, encourage agri-startups and establish Bhaderwah as a global destination for lavender cultivation and allied industries.