DODA : Director of CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, and Deputy Commissioner Doda Krishan Lal, JKAS, today jointly reviewed preparations for the upcoming Lavender Festival 2026 during a high-level meeting held at the DC Office, Doda.
The two-day festival, being organized by CSIR-IIIM Jammu, will be held at Government Degree College, Bhaderwah on June 6 and 7.
The festival will be inaugurated by Union Minister and Vice President of CSIR, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on June 6, while the event will conclude on June 7.
The meeting was attended by Anil Kumar Thakur, ADC, Doda, Sunil Kumar Bhutyal, ADC, Bhaderwah, Dr. Suphla B. Gupta Senior Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer, CSIR Aroma Mission, Dr. Saurabh Saran, Principal Scientist, and senior officers from various departments, including police, health, education, agriculture, horticulture, tourism, transport, power, public works and municipal administration.
Reviewing the preparations, Deputy Commissioner Doda Krishan Lal , JKAS directed all concerned departments to ensure seamless coordination for the successful conduct of the festival.
He stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness, adequate parking facilities, uninterrupted power and water supply, healthcare services, fire safety measures and effective traffic management during the event.
Deputy Commissioner designated the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bhaderwah, as the nodal officer for coordination and instructed departments to establish exhibition stalls highlighting their schemes, achievements and local products.
He also emphasized the participation of self-help groups, startups and youth entrepreneurs to showcase the region’s entrepreneurial and economic potential.
Speaking during the meeting, Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu Dr. Zabeer Ahmed thanked the District Administration for its continued support and said the Lavender Festival has evolved into a flagship event showcasing the success of the CSIR Aroma Mission and the Purple Revolution in Bhaderwah.
He highlighted that more than 5,000 farmers are now associated with lavender cultivation, processing and value-added product development across the region. He noted that Bhaderwah has earned national recognition as the “Lavender Valley of India” and that the festival has played a key role in connecting farmers, startups, scientists and industry stakeholders.
Referring to a recent buyer-seller meet in Mumbai, Dr. Ahmed informed that farmers from Doda secured lavender oil business worth over Rs 30 lakh in a single day, reflecting the growing market demand for the crop. He said this year’s festival will have a stronger industry focus, with leading aroma and essential oil industry representatives from across the country participating in interactions with farmers and startups.
The event will also feature field visits, buyer-seller interactions, technology demonstrations and exhibitions showcasing products developed under the CSIR Aroma Mission.
During the meeting, discussions were held regarding accommodation of guests, transportation of farmers, security arrangements, installation of mobile toilets, medical facilities, emergency response systems, power backup and venue management.
Officials informed that around 50 exhibition stalls will be set up at the venue, including dedicated spaces for government departments, startups, farmer producer organizations, self-help groups and industry participants.
The festival is expected to attract farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, students and visitors from different parts of the country.
