Under CSIR Aroma Mission, CSIR IIIM Jammu organized training-cum Lavender distribution program, under the patronage of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM here today.Earlier in the morning, two mini trucks loaded with Lavender Quality Planting Material were flagged off by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director from Jammu, to remote and far-flung areas across the Ramnagar sub-division of Udhampur District.A statement said that under the phase-III of CSIR Aroma Mission, 172 farmers of Upper Meer, Chulna, Meer, Kultyar, Katti, Lalli of Zone Panchari, Sarar, Mantalai and Marothi of Zone Chenani and Zone Latti of the sub-division Ramnagar of district Udhampur received free-of-cost Lavender quality planting material.

The program was graced by local BDC members including Hansraj (BDC Dudu), Prakash Chand (BDC, Chenani), Sarpanch Krishan Kumar and progressive farmer Aslam Wani from Latti.The program was conducted in coordination with a team from the Agriculture Department, Udhampur led by the Chief Agriculture Officer.The CSIR-IIIM Aroma team consisting of Dr V P Rahul, Rajender Gochar, Dr. Sandeep Charak and Subash provided awareness on the cultivation and importance of Lavender flowers, oil, and value-added products in enhancing the income of the farmers. The farmers were demonstrated Lavender cultivation practices on-site.

It is important to note, that earlier, through the interventions of CSIR-IIIM, Lavender cultivation was started at Bhaderwah, which has now emerged as a major hub for its cultivation.Earlier this year, CSIR-IIIM had also organized Lavender festival at Bhaderwah, and the occasion was graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy & Space and Vice President, CSIR.Now, with the starting of cultivation of Lavender at Udhampur district, the farmers from this region would also be benefitted and it is possible that this district would also emerge as one of the hubs for its cultivation, as well as for production of various value-added products from Lavender oil.

This program also marked a significant milestone in the mission’s journey toward a sustainable and economically vibrant Udhampur district.