In a significant step towards promoting high-value aromatic crops, the first-ever consignment of dry lavender flower spikes from Kashmir was flagged off to Dehradun today by Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, during his visit to the Model Floriculture Centre (MFC) Nunar in Ganderbal.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director highlighted the growing economic potential of lavender, terming it one of the most profitable aromatic crops in the world. He said that the demand for quality planting material of lavender is increasing across the country, and Kashmir is poised to become a key contributor.
Shah said that the introduction and expansion of lavender cultivation on commercial lines will help generate employment, especially for the youth. “Our goal is to bring barren and uncultivable land under lavender cultivation across the Valley,” he said.
He added that three departmental farms have already been brought under lavender as part of an initiative to link agriculture with tourism. “Agri-tourism is an emerging opportunity, and aromatic crops like lavender can play a key role in promoting sustainable farm-based tourism in Kashmir,” he noted.
The consignment flagged off to Dehradun is seen as a breakthrough in Kashmir’s aromatic crop sector, potentially opening new market avenues and encouraging more farmers and agri-entrepreneurs to adopt lavender cultivation.
Floriculture Development Officer Waheed Ur Rehman, Floriculturist Ab. Hamid Shah, Farm Manager MFC Nunar, and staff from the Floriculture Development Scheme were present on the occasion.
