From Experimental Crop to Lucrative Enterprise
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, July 23: Introduced to the Kashmir region decades ago as an experimental crop, Lavender has now emerged as a promising profit-making opportunity, thanks to the efforts made by CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu under various societal and farmer-oriented Missions and Projects like CSIR Aroma Mission, Project K-5000, and JAAG.
Lavender was first brought to India in the 1970s by Dr. Akhtar Hussain and introduced at the Field Stations of Manasbal and Pulwama. However, it wasn’t until its expansion under various projects and Missions, including CSIR-Aroma Mission spearheaded by CSIR-IIIM Jammu, that Lavender cultivation gained momentum.
Over the past more than 12 years, more than 1,000 acres of land in the Kashmir Valley and hilly areas of the Jammu division have been brought under Lavender cultivation, where previously traditional crops were grown and suffered from poor profitability due to climate change and animal grazing.
According to experts, the lavender oil production averages around 50 liters per hectare per year, contributing to a net annual income of between Rs. 3,50,000/- to Rs. 4,00,000/- per hectare. The enhanced economic returns have enabled farmers to secure a better future for themselves and their families.
In the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Lavender cultivation has not only offered economic benefits to farmers but also created employment opportunities for unemployed youth through their involvement in the value chain of Lavender.
Shaheena Shandhaar, who is looking after one of the farmlands at Pulwama, told Kashmir Despatch that in 2013 she tried her luck in Lavender cultivation.
“I was having a lot of fun, so I thought let’s give Lavender a try because I had heard a lot about it, and thus began my Lavender journey in 2013,” she added.
Shaheena said that earlier it was quite challenging for different reasons, and one main reason was that people here in Kashmir were not so aware of this business, so hardly anyone would have information at that time.
“Being a woman, it was also difficult for me, but my efforts never went to waste, as today she employs 8 people at her Lavender orchard.”
She said that Lavender is gaining momentum despite the high labor cost, but there is no doubt about the successful future of Lavender in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Shaheena further added that if there are efforts to direct the market, then the days will come soon when this business will replace the apple business in the state.
“Change is a must, and this Lavender business can be a game-changer for the farmers if the government too can be more serious about taking this business to the next level,” she added.
Gulshana Akhtar, another progressive farmer, told Kashmir Despatch that those who own land can benefit more and be more profitable than those who buy land or take land on lease.
“There are no such efforts for this as compared to other businesses. Lavender cultivation is a profit-yielding business,” she said.
Gulshana said that the government is also providing a helping hand at the initial stage by providing plants and other assistance; however, their intervention in marketing can play an important role in boosting this business to a large extent.
Adnan Ali Khan, a farmer hailing from south Kashmir’s Shopian, shared his inspiring journey with Kashmir Despatch. Three years ago, I embarked on a business venture that has since flourished remarkably. Adnan expressed his gratitude, exclaiming, “Alhamdulillah, it’s going great!”
Adnan’s entrepreneurial success has enabled him to establish his own brand, which he proudly distributes not only across various states in India but also to international markets. This growing demand is primarily attributed to the uniqueness of his Lavender products, as they are not readily available elsewhere.
Recognizing the importance of preserving the quality of his Lavender, Adnan conscientiously endeavors to improve his production methods. His goal is to ensure that the Lavender reaches his customers directly, thereby eliminating any intermediary involvement.
Adnan’s experience taught him that many workshops and exhibitions outside of Kashmir did not meet the standard of quality he sought. He stands behind the purity and quality of his Lavender, stating that nobody can beat it.
With 10 initial Kunals, Adnan’s business has gained significant profits, allowing him to plan for further expansion. He currently employs 20 farmers at his Lavender farm, with plans to add more. Adnan’s success has inspired others in his district to explore this lucrative business.
Adnan had an innovative way of describing this business as a cash-crop if executed correctly. He emphasized that selling just a little in Cannes would cost around 10K, but if packaged in branded bottles, the profit would double. Adnan claimed to have made a whopping 4 lakhs in profit in a single year.
Intriguingly, Adnan believed that this business could be a game-changer in Kashmir, and he had several reasons to support his claim. Firstly, he noted the lack of effort put into this industry compared to others, indicating untapped potential. Secondly, he highlighted the low maintenance nature of this business, requiring minimal upkeep. Moreover, he stressed that the Lavender grown is naturally organic and doesn’t require the use of harmful pesticides or fertilizers. He also mentioned the numerous medicinal benefits associated with Lavender.
Adding to the allure of this venture, Adnan revealed that the government provided plant material for free. This support from the government made it easier for those interested in joining the industry to start their own Lavender cultivation without any financial burden.
Dr. Sumeet Gairola, Principal Scientist & Nodal Scientist (Aroma Mission), at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, told Kashmir Despatch that their team have introduced the “RRL12” Lavender variety, ideally suited for the region’s rain-fed conditions, and introduced more than 30 Lakh free Lavender plants to farmers in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Over 600 acres of land in the Kashmir Valley have been transformed into Lavender fields, where previously traditional crops struggled to cope with climate change and wildlife interference. Small and marginal maize farmers have found a new ray of hope with Lavender, witnessing a significant increase in profitability,” Dr. Gairola said.
Dr. Gairola’s advice to aspiring Lavender farmers is to assess their current agricultural income and explore Lavender cultivation as an alternative on rain-fed mountain slopes.
