In News:

The Aroma Mission, also known as the Lavender Revolution, is emerging as a transformative initiative for regions like Jammu & Kashmir and the North East, prioritised under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for inclusive development.

It aims to harness the untapped potential of India’s biodiverse regions through the scientific cultivation of aromatic crops and production of essential oils, with the dual goals of economic upliftment and sustainable innovation.

Key Objectives and Features:

• Launched By: Ministry of Science & Technology
• Nodal Agency: CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow
• Started In: Jammu & Kashmir, now extended to the North East
• Known As: Lavender Revolution
• Purpose: Boost India’s aroma industry by promoting the cultivation of high-value aromatic crops and increasing the production of essential oils.

Major Focus Areas:

• Crops Cultivated: Lavender, lemongrass, citronella, palmarosa, vetiver, patchouli, rose, peppermint, and chamomile
• Target Sectors: Cosmetics, aromatherapy, pharmaceuticals, and food flavouring industries

Impact and Achievements:

• Over 5,000 hectares brought under aromatic crop cultivation in the North East.
• Establishment of 39 essential oil distillation units.
• Distribution of 1 lakh agarwood saplings planned to boost the region's share in global aromatic plant trade.
• Expected annual essential oil production: 2,000 tonnes, valued at over ?300 crores.
• Estimated to generate 60 lakh man-days of rural employment.
• Projected increase in farmers’ income by ?60,000–?70,000 per hectare annually.

Institutional Support: IICON – Incubation and Innovation Complex

• Location: CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Assam
• Launched By: Dr. Jitendra Singh (Minister of Science & Technology)
• Purpose: Provide technical assistance, advanced facilities, and business incubation support for startups, MSMEs, and SHGs.
• Facilities: Access to 27 cutting-edge technologies for up to two years to help refine production and marketing strategies.

Integrated Development Approach:

The Aroma Mission exemplifies the “whole-of-government” approach, aligning with various flagship programmes such as:

• Start-Up India
• MSME Development
• Doubling Farmers’ Income
• Women Empowerment (e.g., through Rural Women Technology Parks)
• Act East Policy (enhancing North East's connectivity and trade potential)

Over 25 startups and self-help groups have already been empowered through access to facilities and entrepreneurial training at IICON, contributing to local innovation ecosystems.

Strategic Significance:

• Regional Empowerment: Converts underutilised natural resources into economic assets, especially in remote regions like J&K and the North East.
• Environmental Sustainability: Encourages eco-friendly cultivation and reduces pressure on traditional farming.
• Economic Diversification: Supports India’s transition to a bio-economy, with aromatic plant industries offering export potential and rural employment.
• Vision India@2047: Positions the North East as a hub for biotechnology, essential oils, innovation, and trade, aligning with long-term national growth goals.