Fragrance of success
One of the sectors that can help achieve best possible results as far as job and avenues creation for the young are concerned is the essential oil industry. The industry has a tremendous scope to grow in Kashmir division as well the Doda, Poonch and Kishtwar region.
One such product that can make a difference is Lavender which if grown on commercial basis can fetch remarkable revenues besides help in creating job oppurtunities for the youth.
Though Lavender cultivation has marked a manifold increase over the past two years in Bhaderwah area of Doda district but the cultivations have not grown beyond some points and has remained confined to limited pockets only.
Lavender was cultivated on only a meagre quantum of 30 to 40 kanal of land, but after promotional campaign a humongous growth has been seen in last two years and the cultivation has jumped to around 800 kanal (40 hectares) of land in Bhaderwah alone.
Lavender forms a minute part of the in demand Aromatic and Medicinal plant Industry which is witnessing terrific growth. The aromatic plant industry needs ideal conditions which are available in the hilly regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
But as of now the industry has not been exploited commercially both in Jammu or Kashmir regions.
In south Kashmir’s Pulwama area a huge patch of land was put under lavender cultivation but the idea could not be exploited to the hilt by the successive governments. The land that is put under cultivation of lavender and other aromatic plans has to be rain fed and the plans are disease resistant to a large extent as well.
This means that whosever ventures into this activity will have various safeguards in place as the yield and returns for aromatic plants are quite encouraging. Since some distilleries are being setup in Doda region as the cultivation of Lavender has witnessed an increase the move will inspire others as well to follow the path of success.
Since the Institute of High Altitude Medicinal Plant is also coming up in Jammu and Kashmir, the move is bound to give boost to the new varieties of Aromatic and Medicinal plant cultivation not only in Bhaderwah and its adjoining areas but other regions as well.
What is needed is that technical expertise should be provided to spread massive awareness among the entrepreneurs’ regarding the new farming techniques so that new generations of youth feels attracted towards the industry.
Besides, the administration should also be ready and prepared to extend full cooperation to meet the objective of making farmers and young entrepreneurs’ attracted towards the aromatic plant industry because the region offers a huge potential for such activities.
KV Network
