The Bhaderwah region in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district is renowned as the “Lavender Capital of India” for its stunning purple lavender fields and successful lavender farming. Farmers in Bhaderwah have transitioned from traditional crops to lavender cultivation due to its higher income potential and lower water requirements. The blooming lavender fields in Bhaderwah are attracting attention with their vibrant purple colors and delightful fragrance, showcasing the region’s success in lavender farming.
Lavender harvesting in Bhaderwah is in full swing, with farmers collecting the flowers for essential oils, perfumes, cosmetics, and other value-added products. This shift to lavender farming has significantly boosted the income of local growers, playing a vital role in their agricultural and economic progress. Over 2,500 farming families in Bhaderwah and nearby areas are now actively involved in lavender cultivation, marking a substantial increase in lavender farming participation.
Roshan, a lavender farmer, shared his journey from cultivating lavender on a small plot to expanding his operations significantly over the years. Lavender cultivation, initiated under the One District, One Product scheme, has now expanded across various villages, providing increased income and employment opportunities. Another farmer, Kuldeep Kumar, highlighted the profitability of lavender farming compared to traditional crops like maize and pulses, emphasizing the positive impact on the economic well-being of farmers.
The inception of lavender cultivation in Bhaderwah dates back to around 2010 when the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) distributed lavender saplings to a group of farmers. Through the government-supported ‘Aroma Mission,’ farmers received training, planting materials, and distillation units for lavender oil extraction, further promoting lavender cultivation in the region.
