Says climate-resilient crop to safeguard farmers’ incomes
Ganderbal, Jun 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called for commercial adoption of lavender cultivation as a climate-resilient and high-value crop to safeguard farmers’ incomes amid changing weather patterns.
The CM inaugurated the Lavender Festival organised by the Agriculture Department, Kashmir, at the Model Floriculture Centre (MFC), Nunar, Ganderbal, and laid the foundation stone for a Rs 5.38 crore Post-Harvest Infrastructure Project for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants,
Addressing farmers and growers, CM Abdullah said lavender cultivation in recent times has added a new dimension to the agricultural landscape of J&K, highlighting its economic sustainability and multiple benefits, including value addition through essential oil extraction, tourism potential, and employment generation. He said in the coming times lavender cultivation would be extended to newer areas of J&K, adding that the lavender festival would be a regular event.
Drawing parallels with internationally renowned lavender destinations, the Chief Minister said the scenic lavender fields of Ganderbal have the potential to attract visitors and nature enthusiasts, particularly those travelling to Sonamarg, creating new sources of income for local communities while promoting rural tourism.
The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of reducing excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, saying the government is working to promote sustainable farming practices and create awareness about preserving soil health. Highlighting efforts under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), he said substantial investments are being made to modernise the agriculture sector through advanced infrastructure, mechanisation, value-addition facilities, and promotion of high-value crops.
The Chief Minister laid the foundation for a Post-Harvest Infrastructure Project for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants at the Model Floriculture Centre under HADP/NABARD at a cost of Rs 538.23 lakh, including development of an FPO Park with office and storage facilities, machinery for processing and e-marketing, post-harvest management infrastructure, transportation facilities, a distillation unit, quality control laboratory, shade-net structures, and other support facilities aimed at creating a comprehensive ecosystem for medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation and marketing.
The Chief Minister distributed sanction letters among beneficiaries under various agriculture and allied sector initiatives, including assistance for Hi-Tech Poly Houses, Common Facilitation Centres, dairy units, breed-based farms, and keys of tractors provided under government-supported mechanisation programmes.
Referring to ongoing road widening works in Ganderbal, the Chief Minister acknowledged concerns raised by affected shopkeepers and assured them that their issues would be addressed in a fair and humane manner, with the government working towards a suitable rehabilitation mechanism in consultation with all stakeholders.
Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Javid Ahmad Dar underlined the importance of HADP for the promotion of crops like lavender, saying the department is working to explore medicinal and aromatic crops cultivation for the socio-economic transformation of the farming community. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani highlighted the government’s continued focus on strengthening the agriculture sector through infrastructure development, technological interventions, and farmer-centric initiatives.
The event was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, SSP Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama, senior officers of the Agriculture Production Department, scientists from SKUAST-Kashmir, farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and students from different schools. Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected stalls showcasing lavender cultivation, essential oil extraction, value-added products, and other innovations in the agriculture and floriculture sectors. Congratulating the people of Ganderbal, he expressed hope that the initiative would further strengthen the district’s identity as a centre of agricultural innovation, floriculture, and rural tourism.
