AROMATIC PLANTS IN J&K
As part of an effort to create job opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the government has taken vital steps to cultivate aromatic plants in the valley, particularly the Pulwama district. At present, lavender, roses, and other medicinal plants are being harvested in the district, and since they can source employment for youth, it is an ideal time for them to be harvested. As such, the government has been attempting for the last few years to be aware of the issue and to involve the youth, especially the young entrepreneurs who are interested in aromatic plant cultivation.
Various government programs are also being developed for the youth so that they can learn more about the importance of and demand for aromatic plants.
FARMER EXPERIENCE
Mohamed Ayoub, who cultivates lavender crops, said, “I am harvesting the lavender crop. The lavender oil sells for Rs 10,000 per kilogram. If unemployed youth of the area start working on the plantation of aromatic plants, unemployment could be reduced.”
SCIENTIST DR. SHAHID RASOOL STATEMENT
Scientist Dr. Shahid Rasool said: “I am appealing to the educated and unemployed youth of Jammu and Kashmir to process, value-addition and cultivate industrial crops so that they can earn handsomely. These crops are sustainable and can withstand climate change.”He urged the youth to try their hand at this industry as well as the Government of India, which is doing all it can to promote the industry.
GOVT SUPPORT AND CSIR IIIM HELP
The government’s support and proper supervision are also necessary for the sustainable cultivation of aromatic plants and for those progressive growers seeking to produce aromatic plants in the private sector. CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) is the largest research and development institute and extension station spread over 60 hectares for high-value medicinal, aromatic, spice, and nutraceutical crops. On the farm, various medicinal, aromatic, spice, and nutraceutical crops are being intensively cultivated, notably Lavender, Rose, Clary Sage, Saffron, and Rosemary, as well as other minor culinary and aromatic herbs.
STATEMENT OF IQRA FAROOQ
Iqra Farooq, Project Associate in the CSIR Pulwama said, “The farm has a reputation for being one of the best for research, development, and extension of temperate medicinal crops.”. In addition to training the interested growers about the extracting oil process, this center also offers workshops that are aimed at increasing the growth of aromatic plants. The aromatic plants are very expensive and growers can earn more than they expect by demonstrating their interest.”She explained that Besides offering skill development to educated and unemployed youth from rural and urban areas, they also help them enhance their entrepreneurship skills. They teach them the technical aspects and help them as long as they need it.