Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah participated in the lavender festival in Ganderbal district, where he pledged a rehabilitation package for shopkeepers and traders affected by a road widening project. He assured locals that the government is working on resolving irrigation issues promptly.
Omar Abdullah, who also serves as the MLA from Ganderbal constituency, addressed farmers and traders during the festival’s inauguration in Nunar area. He emphasized the potential of floriculture, value-added agriculture, and agri-tourism in the region. The Lavender Festival highlighted the profitability of lavender cultivation for youth entrepreneurship and income generation.
The event, held at the Agriculture Farm in Nunar, showcased the success of lavender cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir, known as the Purple Revolution. This agri-startup movement, driven by the CSIR-IIIM Aroma Mission, has significantly impacted rural livelihoods in areas like Doda, Anantnag, and Ganderbal. Lavender cultivation thrives in the region’s ideal geographic and climatic conditions, offering a lucrative alternative to traditional crops.
Lavender cultivation requires specific conditions such as cool summers, cold winters, and well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils prevalent in higher altitude regions. It is a low-water crop and highly resistant to wildlife interference. The essential oils extracted from lavender flowers are in high demand for cosmetics, aromatherapy, and pharmaceuticals, making it a profitable venture for farmers.
