DODA: Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh today chaired an important meeting in the Mini Conference Hall, DC Office Complex to review the measures for the promotion of lavender cultivation in the district and to assess the preparations for the proposed mega Lavender Festival.

The meeting was attended by Director CSIR-IIIM Dr. Zabeer Ahmed; Director Horticulture Jammu Chaman Lal Sharma; Chief Planning Officer Manesh Kumar Manhas; Chief Agriculture Officer Amjad Hussain Malik; Assistant Floriculture Officer Pawan Kumar, district officers from the Sheep Husbandry, Animal Husbandry, and Sericulture departments, along with scientists from the Aroma Mission.

During the meeting, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM, highlighted the significance of lavender as a high-value aromatic crop under the Aroma Mission. He shared strategic insights to improve lavender cultivation and processing techniques, emphasizing the importance of introducing advanced farming practices, post-harvest management, and market linkages to maximize returns for farmers. He reiterated CSIR-IIIM's commitment to extending technical assistance and scientific innovation to promote aromatic farming in the region.

The Deputy Commissioner discussed key challenges faced by lavender farmers, particularly the limited availability of quality hybrid seeds. A detailed discussion was held to ensure the continuous and affordable supply of these seeds to farmers. He urged the expert team from the Aroma Mission, led by Nodal Scientist Suphala Gupta and Principal Scientist Sourabh Saran, to coordinate with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bhaderwah to provide technical and logistic support to farmers.

Scientists from the Aroma Mission shared valuable insights from their ongoing research and presented strategic plans to further boost lavender cultivation in the district. They also outlined the blueprint for the upcoming mega Lavender Festival, which is aimed at promoting aromatic farming, increasing farmer incomes, and enhancing tourism potential in the region. The festival will feature stalls by various government departments, stage setups, exhibitions, and vibrant cultural performances to showcase the benefits of lavender farming.

Furthermore, the DC directed that 115 Krishi Udayamis across the district be mobilized to facilitate the distribution of hybrid lavender seeds at reasonable rates to interested farmers. He emphasized the importance of uplifting the local economy through aromatic plant cultivation and assured full administrative support to all stakeholders involved in the Lavender Mission.