SRINAGAR, JUNE 14 (KNS): The Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal today visited Seed Multiplication Farm (SMF) Sirhama and monitored the activities carried out at the farm.

On the occasion, the Director appreciated the official staff of the said farm for their hard work in bringing change in the farm and also for the bumper lavender crop.

He inspected different blocks of the farm and was briefed by the concerned Farm Manager, Technical Experts about different aromatic, medicinal plants cultivated in the farm. Various latest interventions adopted and introduced during the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants were also brought into the notice of the Director.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director marked the economic importance of ornamental and medicinal plants in the overall agriculture ecosystem. He said there is a vast potential in this sector and the department has a floriculture development scheme for strengthening this sector in the valley.

Iqbal said the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants on commercial lines and participation of educated youth in this allied wing could help in achieving the economic security to the concerned farming families.

He said Kashmir being one of the best tourist destinations in the country has immense opportunities for the marketing of ornamental plants and floriculture products therefore the Department is endeavouring to attract more and more farmers towards the cultivation of ornamental and medicinal plants.(KNS)