Anantnag: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Thursday inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Lavender and Aromatic Crops at Srihama, Anantnag.
Established at a cost of ₹371.62 lakh, the centre aims to promote cultivation of lavender and other aromatic crops through scientific interventions, modern technology and improved farming practices.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by MLAs Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Zafar Ali Khatana, Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi and Advocate Reyaz Ahmad Khan, besides senior officers of Agriculture and allied departments, progressive farmers and local residents.
Addressing the gathering, Javid Ahmad Dar described the Centre of Excellence as a significant initiative to provide farmers access to modern technologies, scientific cultivation practices, quality planting material and technical guidance.
He said the facility would act as a hub for training, demonstrations and capacity building, helping farmers adopt innovative methods and enhance productivity and income.
Highlighting the potential of lavender and other aromatic crops in Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said crop diversification towards high-value agriculture is essential for improving farm profitability and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural households.
He said the government is working to strengthen the agriculture sector through better infrastructure, research-based interventions, extension services and improved market linkages.
Referring to the ongoing Khet Bachao Abhiyan, the Minister stressed the need to protect agricultural land and ensure its productive utilisation. He encouraged farmers to bring more cultivable and rain-fed areas under productive use and explore opportunities in aromatic and medicinal crop cultivation.
The Minister also highlighted various schemes and initiatives being implemented by the Agriculture and Horticulture departments for the welfare of farmers, including measures aimed at increasing productivity, promoting horticulture, facilitating farm mechanisation, strengthening irrigation facilities and encouraging adoption of modern technologies.
He reiterated the government’s commitment towards making agriculture a sustainable and remunerative sector by improving farmers’ incomes and supporting the socio-economic development of rural communities.
During the event, the Minister inspected stalls set up by Agriculture and allied departments showcasing modern technologies, successful farming models, horticulture interventions and farmer-oriented schemes. He also interacted with farmers and exhibitors and appreciated their efforts towards promoting modern agricultural practices.
Among those present were Director Agriculture Kashmir, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Director Enforcement J&K, senior officers of Agriculture and allied departments, representatives of farmer organisations and members of the local community.
