Lavender Farming Brings New Hope to Udhampur Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir
In Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Department of Agriculture has successfully cultivated around five lakh lavender mother plants in Incha village, Ramnagar tehsil. This marks the first time lavender is being grown in the region, thanks to its suitable climate and soil.
The department used 100 kanals of land to grow these plants, which will soon be given to local farmers. This initiative is expected to boost farmers’ income and help them deal with the problem of monkeys damaging their crops.
Anju Devi, a local resident, expressed her happiness about the new lavender farming. She mentioned that previously, only maize was grown, which was often destroyed by monkeys and wasn’t very profitable. She believes lavender farming will be more profitable and less prone to damage from wild animals, providing a good source of employment.
Rafiq Ahamed Jaral, Sub Divisional Magistrate of Ramnagar, highlighted the importance of lavender farming. He said that the climate in many areas of Ramnagar tehsil is perfect for lavender. A nursery in Incha village has prepared five lakh lavender saplings, which will be distributed to farmers soon.
Saloni Rai, Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur, mentioned that under the Indian government’s ‘Purple Revolution’ initiative, another five lakh lavender saplings will be planted this year. These mother plants will also be distributed to farmers to help them earn more income.
Doubts Revealed
Lavender Farming -: Lavender farming is the practice of growing lavender plants, which are known for their beautiful purple flowers and pleasant smell. Lavender is used in making perfumes, oils, and even in cooking.
Udhampur -: Udhampur is a district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for its scenic beauty and is now becoming known for lavender farming.
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India. It is famous for its beautiful landscapes, mountains, and now, lavender farming.
Department of Agriculture -: The Department of Agriculture is a government body that helps farmers by providing them with resources, information, and support to grow crops.
Five lakh -: Five lakh means 500,000. In India, ‘lakh’ is a term used to denote 100,000.
Mother plants -: Mother plants are the original plants from which new plants are grown. They are used to produce more plants through cuttings or seeds.
Incha village -: Incha village is a small village in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, where the first lavender farming in the region has started.
Monkeys -: Monkeys are animals that sometimes damage crops by eating or destroying them. Lavender farming helps because monkeys do not like the smell of lavender.
Anju Devi -: Anju Devi is a local resident of Udhampur who is involved in lavender farming and has shared her positive experiences.
Rafiq Ahamed Jaral -: Rafiq Ahamed Jaral is an official who supports and promotes lavender farming in Udhampur.
Saloni Rai -: Saloni Rai is another official who is involved in the lavender farming initiative in Udhampur.
Profitability -: Profitability means the ability to make money. Lavender farming is profitable because it can be sold for a good price.
Pest resistance -: Pest resistance means that the plants are not easily damaged by insects or animals. Lavender plants are naturally pest-resistant.
Purple Revolution -: The ‘Purple Revolution’ is an initiative to promote lavender farming in India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, to help farmers earn more money.
Saplings -: Saplings are young plants that are grown from seeds or cuttings. They are planted to grow into mature plants.
