Dodda, June 2: The Bhaderwah region of Jammu and Kashmir is renowned as the “Lavender Capital of India.” This area is famous for its stunning purple lavender fields and successful lavender cultivation. Thousands of farmers have shifted from traditional crops like maize and rice to lavender farming, which offers better income and requires less water.
Farmers in Bhaderwah have commenced lavender harvesting in the Leelrot and Tipri areas. The blooming fields, with their vibrant purple hues and delightful fragrance, are captivating attention once again, showcasing the region’s growing success in lavender production. Farmers are meticulously harvesting the flowers, which are used to produce essential oils, perfumes, cosmetics, and other value-added products.
In recent years, lavender farming has become a significant source of income for local farmers, contributing greatly to the agricultural and economic development of the region.
Lavender cultivation in Bhaderwah began around 2010 when the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) provided lavender plants to some farmers. Subsequently, under the government-supported Aroma Mission, farmers received training, planting materials, and distillation units for lavender oil extraction. Today, over 2,500 farming families in Bhaderwah and surrounding areas are engaged in lavender cultivation.
Farmer Roshan shared, “Lavender farming started in Leelrot and Tipri. Due to the hard work of local farmers, lavender was included in the ‘One District-One Product’ scheme. I began cultivating lavender on one kanal (5,445 square feet) of land in 2015. Now, I farm on 20 kanals.”
He added, “Earlier, we practiced traditional farming, which barely sustained our families. Now, lavender farming has increased our income, and we are also providing jobs to others. Today, 200 farmers are associated with me. Even barren lands are now being used for lavender cultivation. We rent land from those who do not wish to farm themselves. The Floriculture Department provides full support for this farming.”
Another farmer, Kuldeep Kumar, stated, “We used to grow maize, pulses, and other traditional crops, but they did not yield much profit due to damage from monkeys. For the past 10-12 years, we have been cultivating lavender, and it has been quite beneficial. This crop is ready for harvest twice a year. Lavender fetches good prices, significantly improving our economic situation.”
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