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 Sunday inaugurated an awareness, training and lavender quality planting material (QPM) distribution programme here.The programme is being held under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–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.”

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). “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 the quality planting material of lavender from the chief guest for cultivation in their fields, according to the statement.In 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, and potential uses and practical insights into planting techniques and cultivation practices. Dr Rajinder Bhanweria, Dr V P Rahul, and Er Ankush Verma also delivered expert talks in the technical session.