Among the several Republic Day tableaux that caught the eye, the one that soothed the senses was an enchanting lavender-coated unit showcasing the purple-blue bush with a gorgeous woman emerging out of the bush, clothed in a lavender-coloured kurta with a brown basket resting on her back overflowing with lavender flowers.
The tableau was present in the R-Day parade to highlight a silent revolution taking place in the Jammu and Kashmir. Over the past few years, tourism has picked up in the territory to such an extent that most tour operators in TN claim Kashmir has been one of their top destinations in the year 2023. But, in a quieter manner, a silent yet successful revolution has been taking place in the serene valleys and gentle mountain slopes whose temperate climate suits the crop well.
The project titled Aroma Mission by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research has led to the development of an elite variety of lavender suitable for cultivation in temperate regions of J&K.
“Under CSIR-Aroma Mission, CSIR-IIIM Jammu has introduced Lavender to the farmers of different districts of J&K like Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri, Pulwama, Anantnag, Kupwara and Bandipora.”
According to the CSIR, lavender is commercially one of the best-known essential oil-bearing plants grown for essential oil and dry flowers. Following many decades of scientific interventions, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu (CSIR-IIIM) has developed its elite variety (RRL-12) and agrotechnology.
This variety of Lavender is highly suitable for cultivation in the rainfed regions of the temperate regions of India, including Kashmir valley and temperate regions of the Jammu division. Under CSIR-Aroma Mission, CSIR-IIIM Jammu has introduced Lavender to the farmers of different districts of J&K like Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri, Pulwama, Anantnag, Kupwara and Bandipora.
The institute has also provided free Quality Planting Material (QPM) and end-to-end technology package on cultivation, processing, value addition and marketing of Lavender crop to the farmers, in addition to installing fifty distillation units (45 fixed and five mobile) at different locations across J&K to support farmers in processing their produce.’ distress.
Lavender cultivation transforms region
Thanks to this, a new industry around Lavender cultivation developed in the region. According to the CSIR, more than 1000 farming families are currently cultivating Lavender on more than 200 acres in different parts of J&K. Each farmer has employed at least five other people. This has given employment to more than 5000 farming families in the region. Women are primarily employed in the lavender fields for harvesting and processing of the flower.
Lavender oil produced in J&K has a market price of around Rs 10,000/- per kg in the Indian market. Dry lavender flowers fetch a price between Rs. 1000/- to Rs 1500/- while lavender oil production in the area varies between 40-60 litres per hectare per year.
Lavender oil produced in J&K has a market price of around Rs. 10,000/- per kg in the Indian market. Dry lavender flowers fetch a price between Rs. 1000/- to Rs. 1500/- while lavender oil production in the area varies between 40-60 litres per hectare per year.
The net annual income of Lavender farmers has increased many folds from around Rs. 40,000/- to Rs. 60,000/- per hectare to between Rs. 3,50,000/- to Rs. 6,00,000/- per hectare. Farmers of the Doda district produced 300, 500, and 800 litres of lavender oil in 2019, 2020, and 2021, according to statistics put out by the CSIR.
The production of Lavender oil is expected to increase manifolds in the coming years which will help import substitution and save foreign reserves. Besides, there is also excellent scope for exporting Lavender oil as it has good global demand.
Lavender cultivation is a significant global industry with widespread production and use. It is cultivated in various regions worldwide, with specific varieties adapted to different climates. The crop is prominent in several countries, with notable production in regions such as the Provence region of France, Bulgaria, United States, Spain besides the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina among others.
Lavender is cultivated for various purposes, which include:
Essential Oil as lavender oil is one of the most sought-after products. It is widely used in aromatherapy, perfumes, and various cosmetic and personal care products.
Culinary Uses as lavender is used to flavor desserts, teas, and various dishes in the culinary industry.
Medicinal Applications as the plant is known for its calming and soothing properties. It is used in traditional medicine and alternative therapies for its potential benefits in relieving stress and promoting relaxation.
Lavender is often grown for its ornamental value, with its vibrant purple flowers enhancing gardens and landscapes.