Kashmir is moving towards the 'Saffron Revolution'

Lavender cultivation is becoming increasingly popular in the Kashmir Valley. Therefore, the Department will play a leading role in the development of decorative, aromatic plants," said Chaudhary Muhammad Iqbal, the Director of Agriculture in Kashmir, during his visit to the lavender farms in Pulwama.

He observed the lavender landscape on the farm and interacted with technical staff about various ongoing activities in different blocks of the farm. He said that Kashmir is moving towards the 'Saffron Revolution' as educated young farmers are interested in taking up this crop as a business.

Lavender is regularly used for extracting oil, which is used in the production of products such as soap, cosmetics, fragrances, air fresheners, and medicines.

The Director of Agriculture mentioned that in recent years, farmers in Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, Ganderbal, and Kulgam districts have started lavender cultivation under the guidance and technical assistance of the agriculture department.

He also mentioned that under the HADP (Hill Area Development Programme), special projects have been approved by the government to promote aromatic and medicinal crops like lavender. He encouraged farmers to take advantage of the department's interventions and said that lavender shows promising potential to contribute to the region's agricultural economy.