How Purple Revolution is benefiting farmers in India
In recent years, India has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its agricultural sector, largely propelled by technological innovations and shifting paradigms. Among these changes, the emergence of the "Purple Revolution" stands out as a significant development, particularly in its impact on farmers across the country. The revolution has diversified the farming landscape and is offering new avenues of income and sustainability for farmers.
What is the Purple Revolution?
The "Purple Revolution" refers to the cultivation of lavender, a fragrant herb known for its medicinal and aromatic properties. It seeks to bolster the indigenous aromatic crop-based agro-economy by prioritizing locally grown varieties over imported ones. This movement is gaining momentum, as scientists from the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) explore lavender's medicinal potential, amplifying its significance in agriculture and healthcare sectors.
Government support
The government's support has led farmers to switch over from traditional crops, including fruits, to lavender production. Since 2007, the introduction of lavender farming in Kashmir and parts of Jammu has led to a significant expansion. Lavender cultivation now spans all 20 districts in Jammu and Kashmir. Its low maintenance makes it a more lucrative option compared to traditional crops, offering improved returns.
CSIR's Aroma Mission
The mission endeavors to elevate farmers' incomes and propel lavender cultivation to a commercial scale. The CSIR Aroma Mission seeks to revolutionize the aroma sector by executing strategic interventions across agriculture, processing, and production, fostering growth and rural employment. Emphasizing the cultivation of aromatic crops for essential oil production, it addresses the burgeoning demand in the aroma industry, fostering farmers' economic prosperity.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil, prized for its versatile uses and therapeutic properties, holds a prominent position in the global market. Its calming aroma finds applications in aromatherapy, cosmetics, perfumes, and medicinal products. The high demand for lavender oil, currently yielding Rs. 10,000 per litre to farmers, underscores its economic potential, a lucrative choice for farmers. Additionally, research delves into utilizing by-products from the oil extraction process.
Marc
"Marc" is the leftover residue from lavender flower steam distillation for oil extraction. Research into its potential health benefits could offer farmers a lucrative opportunity as well. If proven effective, "marc" may become a valuable resource, contributing to economic growth in the lavender farming industry. However, further validation is required to establish its efficacy and capitalize on its potential profitability.
Hydrosol
The steam distillation process yields hydrosol, a scented lavender-infused water, offering versatility in various products like room sprays and bodymists. Dried lavender stalks, which retain their enchanting scent for two years, are commonly used in potpourri, sachets, incense sticks and herbal crafts, and also hold significant market value. This underscores the multifaceted benefits of lavender farming beyond just oil extraction.
