Tary Khan CNI

The Startup Revolution in J&K and the strong will of the people is a story that has not got its due attention**Around 3,000 Lavender agri-startups in Jammu and Kashmir are being supported by CSIR as a part of aroma

mission**Jammu & Kashmir has been blessed with all the raw material sources to become a role model for the entire region in Agri startups, this potential is finally being tapped by Union

Government led by PM Sh Narendra Modi**To tap this potential an elite variety of lavender suitable for temperate regions of J&K was developed and free saplings provided to farmers for cultuvation.**All necessary handholding & support given to farmers to produce the best quality of lavender

As a result lavender success has now gone beyond cultivation, reaching to Agri startups**The lavender produce including oil and flower are now being used as raw material to produce portfolio of products. A number of successful startups have emerged from J&K and adjoining areas in the recent past.

One of the farmers who has been associated with us since the inception of Aroma Mission, now runs a FPO of 1 to 1.5 Cr. On the other hand, another farmer who has expanded his business by adding

lavender oil and it’s products to its portfolio has earned him 2.5-3 Cr**Another young startup who joined just 2 yrs back has opened 2

companies on Lavender value added products.**Three most important things that have been the highlight of Lavender cultivation are**1- Agritourism. During June almost all

hotels of Doda were completely booked for 15 to 20 days**2- Women Empowerment … women are the torchbearer in nursery cultivation in their kitchen garden earning money without the need to leave their houses