Peer Mohammad Amir Qureshi
Farmers in various districts of Kashmir including Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, Ganderbal, and Kupwara have started to transition away from conventional crops, such as fruits, in favour of lavender cultivation.
Kashmir is famous for its lush apple orchards. Apple farmers who want to enhance their income have taken up the plantation of lavender as an intercrop for higher harvest per unit, and better returns per kanal.
Kashmir continues to measure land in terms of kanal and marla – a practice that now continues only in some parts of India. The rest of India talks in acres and hectares. A kanal equals 605 square yards or 1⁄8 acre (0.051 ha). One kanal is equal to 20 marlas. One acre equals eight kanals.
The Role Of Model Floriculture Centre at Ganderbal
The expansive Model Floriculture Centre at Ganderbal in central Kashmir has several hectares devoted to lavender farming. It is run by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kashmir. From here, many farmers have learnt the right techniques of lavender farming, packaging, storage and marketing.
Purple Revolution In Jammu
The verdant villages of Jammu region are the epicentre of a vibrant agricultural transformation that is aptly called the Purple Revolution. Lavender cultivation has become a beacon of prosperity and innovation for farmers in Doda, Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Rajouri, Kathua and surrounding areas.
The shift from traditional agricultural practices to lavender cultivation has significantly improved the economic status of these villages. It has also placed this region on the global lavender map.
Seeds of Change
The transformation began with the Centre’s CSIR Aroma Mission, which provided farmers with high-quality lavender plants free of charge. The aim of this initiative was to introduce a crop that promised high yields and diversify Jammu’s agricultural landscape. Lavender, known for its countless uses in perfumes, cosmetics, herbal products, medicines, etc., became the crop of choice.
The response from the farming community has been overwhelmingly positive. With minimal investment and the assurance of large profits, more farmers have started cultivating lavender. This change not only improved their income but also attracted the attention of agricultural enthusiasts and experts across the country.
Blooming Profits
Farmers quickly recognized lavender’s potential. The fragrant herb with its showy purple flowers began to flourish in fields, replacing traditional crops. The economic benefits were soon apparent. Demand soared for high-quality lavender oil, which is widely used in a variety of industries. The oil extracted from the flowers fetches the highest prices in both domestic and international markets.
Doda Farmer Rajinder Singh Shares His Success Story
“Lavender has changed our lives,” says Rajinder Singh of Doda in Jammu region. “We used to struggle with low yields from traditional crops, but now we are making profits that we never imagined. Support from the CSIR Aroma Mission was crucial,” he adds. “They not only provided us with the plants, but also guided us through the growing process.”
The Bhaderwah Lavender Festival is a platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, and showcasing the success of the Purple Revolution.
Lavender Festival – A Celebration of Success
The Bhaderwah Lavender Festival has become an important event, bringing together research teams from different states. The festival is more than just a celebration; it is a platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, and showcasing the success of the Purple Revolution. Researchers, farmers, and entrepreneurs come together to discuss advances in lavender cultivation, processing techniques, and market trends.
The festival also serves as a tourist attraction, with the picturesque lavender fields providing a stunning backdrop for cultural events, workshops, and exhibitions. The influx of tourists has provided an additional boost to the local economy, creating opportunities for ancillary businesses such as homestays, crafts, and local cuisine.
Lavender: A Versatile Treasure
Lavender’s versatility goes beyond its economic benefits. Lavender oil is known for its therapeutic properties and is an important ingredient in aromatherapy and natural medicine. Its calming scent is used to relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia. In the cosmetics industry, lavender is prized for its fragrance and skin-soothing properties, making it a key ingredient in perfumes, lotions, and beauty products. The herbal products industry has also discovered lavender’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The medicinal properties of lavender are utilized in a variety of ways, contributing to the growth of the natural health products market. Under the CSIR Aroma Mission, CSIR-IIM Jammu has distributed over 4.5 million units of quality lavender planting materials free of cost, promoting the uptake of lavender among farmers. In the first phase of the Aroma Mission, 164.92 hectares of land were brought under cultivation and around 600 farmers started lavender cultivation.
In the second phase of the CSIR Aroma Mission (2017-22), the area under cultivation was expanded to 910.71 hectares and another 2,500 farmers were added. In the third phase, which is currently underway, official sources said that 317.11 hectares have already been treated in the first year.
The Way Forward
The Purple Revolution is still in its early stages, but its impact is enormous. The success of lavender cultivation in Jammu has become an inspiring model for other regions looking to diversify agricultural practices and increase farmer incomes. Continued support from government initiatives and the enthusiasm and hard work of farmers are essential to sustain and expand this revolution.
Many fields in the Jammu region continue to bloom with vibrantly coloured lavender. The Purple Revolution is a testament to the power of innovation, collaborative efforts, and the timeless appeal of nature’s treasures. The fruits of lavender cultivation were even showcased in the 2024 Republic Day Parade, symbolizing the transformative impact it will have on the region’s agricultural landscape. The story of Jammu’s lavender is not just about flowers; it’s about growth, resilience, and the promise of a prosperous future.
Gulmarg’s Lupins Showcased As Lavender
Even as many farmers were flourishing from lavender farming, the purple revolution was still hidden from public knowledge. Interestingly, as Kashmir Tourism opened significantly, some social media content creators garnered lakhs of views by showcasing the lupins of Kashmir as lavenders.
The allure of lavender farming in Kashmir surged into the limelight when a series of videos by content creators uploaded videos of Gulmarg’s floral splendour. Garnering millions of views across social media platforms, these creators mistakenly labelled the flowers as lavenders.
These flowers were lupins. But their resemblance to lavenders made these reels go viral on social media. Their glorious purple resemblance captivated a broad audience, sparking widespread curiosity and attention throughout the valley.
