Srinagar,20 April (KNS): From the last few years Agriculture Department is making all the possible efforts not only to introduce new crop varieties in the region but also gives extension to some crops from the areas they were traditionally grown to newer areas. To explore the avenues and opportunities to introduce lavender to some new areas of Jammu and Kashmir is one such step in this direction.
We are optimistic in saying that the cultivation of lavender will help to improve the socio-economic conditions of the farmers. These views were expressed by Director Agriculture Kashmir Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal while sending a consignment of 10,000 (Ten Thousand) lavender saplings (Quality Planting Material) as a token of love to the farmers of Jammu Division (Kathua district) for the promotion of lavender in Bani area of the district.
As per the statement issued to kashmir news service (KNS),Director Agriculture said that the Advisor to Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Farooq Ahmad Khan has the vision to add new dimensions to the existing agriculture scenario so that the farmers of the region could become agri- entrepreneurs and promotion of lavender cultivation in new areas is a step towards this direction.
Iqbal further added that Principal Secretary AP&FWD Navin Kumar Chowdhary is personally monitoring the execution of different programs to introduce new crops of economic importance in the region in order to achieve the target of doubling the farmers income by 2022.
Pertinent to mention that lavender is perennial shrub belonging to the mint family. Besides being an ornamental plant, it is also economically viable plant with a kilo of oil extracted from the flowers selling for upwards of Rs 14000/-,mostly used in aroma Industry. The residue after the oil extraction is used to make agarbatis, soaps etc.
Highlighting the Economic importance of Lavender crop director agriculture said that it is one of the best cash crop in the world. He said that demand for quality planting material of lavender has increased over the years. Director said that the department is planning to introduce lavender on commercial lines in some new areas of Jammu & Kashmir Union territory.(KNS)