Srinagar December 16: To review the progress on Department’s program of promoting lavender on commercial lines, the Joint Director Agriculture Farms Dr. Syed Waseem Ahmad Shah today visited Lavender Farm Sirhama Anantnag.
Dr. Waseem visited different blocks of the farm. He had an interactive session with the technical experts and concerned officers of the Farm. While expressing his views, Dr. Waseem highlighted the economic importance of lavender crop and said that it is one of the best cash crops in the world. He said the demand for quality planting material of lavender has increased over the years and efforts are on to attract progressive agriculture entrepreneurs towards this aromatic crop.
Dr. Waseem said that the idea behind the promotion and introduction of lavender crop to newer areas on commercial lines is to create employment opportunities for the youth.
Pertinent to mention that lavender is a perennial shrub belonging to mint family. Besides being an ornamental plant it is also economically viable plant mostly used in aroma industry. The residue after the oil extraction is used to make Agarbaties, Soaps etc.
During the visit Farm Manager gave a detailed overview of the different activities under implementation at the farm.