JAMMU & KASHMIR : Kashmir, known for apples and saffron, is witnessing the growth of another aromatic treasure – lavender. More and more farmers and entrepreneurs are showing interest in growing lavender in the cold temperate region.
“Just as apples and saffron have long been synonymous with Kashmir, we want to ensure that in the coming years, the Valley is equally known for its thriving lavender cultivation,” said florist Abdul Hamid Shah. “Kashmir’s cool temperature climate provides ideal conditions for lavender cultivation,” he said. Lavender is now being cultivated in all 10 districts of the Valley, including Pulwama, Kupwara, Shopian, Budgam, Ganderbal and Baramulla. Surprisingly, its cultivation has even reached the border areas of Gurez and Uri, near the LoC in north Kashmir.
Unlike many conventional crops, lavender is a long-term investment. According to Shah, a single plant bears flowers for at least 13 years, needs little maintenance and can be harvested from the second year of planting. “Lavender thrives even with limited irrigation. It is naturally rodent-resistant and rarely affected by pests or disease, making it a low-maintenance crop with minimal risk of infection,” he said.
Rubeena Tabassum, a pioneer in lavender farming in Kashmir, started her cultivation on 150 kanals of land in Budgam in 2008 and has now expanded it to around 400 kanals. It has also built a value-added enterprise around the crop. The extracted oil of lavender flowers is used in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes and medicinal products.
