CSIR-IIIM started Lavender cultivation in Udhampur District

Udhampur, 15. CSIR IIIM Jammu Friday organized training-cum Lavender distribution program, under the patronage of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Under CSIR Aroma Mission.

In a statement issued to Kashmir Convener, an official spokesperson said two mini trucks loaded with Lavender Quality Planting Material were flagged off by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director from Jammu, to remote and far-flung areas across the Ramnagar sub-division of Udhampur District.

He said that under the phase-III of CSIR Aroma Mission, 172 farmers of Upper Meer, Chulna, Meer, Kultyar, Katti, Lalli of Zone Panchari, Sarar, Mantalai and Marothi of Zone Chenani and Zone Latti of the sub-division Ramnagar of district Udhampur received free-of-cost Lavender quality planting material. The program was graced by local BDC members including Hansraj (BDC Dudu), Prakash Chand (BDC, Chenani), Sarpanch Krishan Kumar and progressive farmer Aslam Wani from Latti. 

The program was conducted in coordination with a team from Agriculture Department, Udhampur led by Chief Agriculture Officer.

The CSIR-IIIM Aroma team comprising of Dr V P Rahul, Rajender Gochar, Dr. Sandeep Charak and Subash provided awareness on the cultivation and importance of Lavender flowers, oil, and value-added products in enhancing the income of the farmers. The farmers were demonstrated Lavender cultivation practices on-site.

Spokesperson said through the interventions of CSIR-IIIM, Lavender cultivation was started at Bhaderwah, which has now emerged as a major hub for its cultivation. 

Earlier this year, CSIR-IIIM had also organized Lavender festival at Bhaderwah. “Now, with the starting of cultivation of Lavender at Udhampur district, the farmers from this region would also be benefitted and it is possible that this district would also emerge as one of the hubs for its cultivation, as well as for production of various value-added products from Lavender oil”.

 This program also marked a significant milestone in the mission's journey toward a sustainable and economically vibrant Udhampur district.