Jammu and Kashmir’s Aroma Mission: Dr. Jitendra Singh Highlights Success and Potential at Unique PRIs Meeting

Jammu:  Jammu and Kashmir’s Aroma Mission has become a beacon of success, turning the region into a role model for the rest of India, according to Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister. The recent depiction of lavender farms in Bhaderwah town, District Doda, through a tableau on Kartavya Path during the Republic Day celebrations in the national capital, highlighted the state’s achievements. Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the youth associated with the Aroma StartUps ecosystem in J&K have emerged as brand ambassadors of the Purple Revolution, showcasing the potential of agri startups.

Speaking after chairing a groundbreaking meeting with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), including members from District Development Councils (DDCs), the Union Minister aimed to strengthen the connect with society for the promotion of startups in the region. The meeting took place at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine in Jammu.

Dr. Jitendra Singh described J&K’s Aroma Mission as a success story and urged for continued efforts to explore untapped areas that could drive India’s economy. He highlighted the growing significance of agri startups in providing self-employment opportunities for the youth in the Union Territory.

Advocating for increased public-private partnerships in agri startups, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for collaboration between the two sectors. He encouraged the generation of awareness about cultivating Himalayan resources like lavender, urging DDC members to play an active role in promoting agri startups in their respective areas.

The Minister called upon CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine to conduct research and identify new crops feasible for cultivation based on the topography of different regions in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the importance of expanding engagement in the agri-startup ecosystem, highlighting the remarkable growth in the number of startups in the country over the last decade. He expressed satisfaction with India’s recognition as a leader in preventive healthcare globally, particularly due to its successful vaccine program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the space sector, Dr. Jitendra Singh shared impressive statistics, noting that over one thousand crore rupees of investment came into the sector within eight months of the previous year. The government has set a target to attract more than 40 billion dollars in investment by 2040, but recent reports suggest that India is poised to exceed this target, reaching 100 billion dollars by 2040, according to the Arthur D Little Report.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the increase in the number of space sector startups in India since Prime Minister Modi’s reforms in the sector, indicating a positive trajectory for the country’s space endeavors.