SRINAGAR: Director of Agriculture Kashmir Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal today visited S.M farm Allawpora to take stock of the overall agriculture scenario including the status of lavender, rosemary, and geranium-like crops at the farm.
He moved to different blocks of the farm and interacted with the technical staff regarding various ongoing activities.
Speaking to the farm management, the Director said that lavender, geranium, and rosemary-like crops are becoming more popular in the valley therefore departmental farms have to play a lead role in the development of these Aromatic, Medicinal, decorative, and culinary herbs. He said Kashmir is moving towards a “Purple Revolution” as more and more young educated farmers are interested in taking these crops on commercial lines.
He said that crops like lavender, rosemary, and geranium are adding new dimensions to the overall agriculture ecosystem in the region.
Pertinently lavender is used to extract oil, which is then utilized to create products like soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, air fresheners and medications.
He said that in the last few years farmers in the districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, Ganderbal and Kupwara have started lavender cultivation under the guidance and technical support of the agriculture department.
He said that under HADP special project has been approved by the government for the promotion of Aromatic and medicinal crops like lavender. He asked the farmers to come forward and take benefit from the department’s interventions.
He said that the lavender shows promising potential that could contribute to the agri economy of the region.
He also highlighted the importance of awareness among the farming community regarding the benefits of switching over to crops like lavender.
