Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated the Lavender Festival in Ganderbal district, calling its cultivation an addition of a new chapter in the journey of development and prosperity of the Union territory.
The chief minister inaugurated the festival organised by the Agriculture department Kashmir at the Model Floriculture Centre (MFC), Nunar, Ganderbal, in central Kashmir, an official spokesperson said.
Omar also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several agriculture infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the medicinal and aromatic plants sector and improving farmers’ livelihoods in the district.
Addressing farmers, growers and members of the local community on the occasion, the chief minister said lavender cultivation in recent times has added a new dimension to the agriculture landscape of J&K.
He highlighted the economic sustainability of lavender crop and impressed upon farmers to adopt this crop on commercial lines.
Abdullah stressed adopting this climate-resilient and high-value crop can safeguard farmers’ incomes in the face of changing weather patterns, the spokesperson said.
He said the CM noted that lavender cultivation offers multiple benefits, including value addition through essential oil extraction, tourism potential and employment generation.
Abdullah said in the coming times, lavender cultivation would be extended to newer areas of J&K and that the lavender festival will be a regular event.
Drawing parallels with internationally renowned lavender destinations, the Chief Minister said the scenic lavender fields of Ganderbal have the potential to attract visitors and nature enthusiasts.
Earlier, Abdullah inspected stalls showcasing lavender cultivation, essential oil extraction, value-added products and other innovations in the agriculture and floriculture sectors.
Highlighting the government’s efforts under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Omar Abdullah said substantial investments are being made to modernise the agriculture sector through advanced infrastructure, mechanisation, value-addition facilities and promotion of high-value crops.
