SRINAGAR: In a major initiative aimed at promoting high-value agriculture and crop diversification in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar on Thursday inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Lavender and Aromatic Crops at Srihama in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Established at a cost of ₹371.62 lakh, the Centre of Excellence has been designed to promote the cultivation of lavender and other aromatic crops through scientific, research-based and technology-driven interventions, with the objective of enhancing farmers’ incomes and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by legislators Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Zafar Ali Khatana, Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi and Advocate Reyaz Ahmad Khan, besides senior officers of the Agriculture and allied departments, progressive farmers and local residents.
Addressing the gathering, Javid Ahmad Dar described the facility as a landmark project that would provide farmers access to modern cultivation technologies, quality planting material, scientific farming practices and expert technical guidance.
He said the centre would function as a hub for training, demonstrations and capacity building, helping farmers adopt innovative agricultural practices and improve productivity as well as profitability.
Highlighting the growing potential of lavender and other aromatic crops in Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said diversification towards high-value crops was essential for making agriculture more remunerative and resilient.
“Jammu and Kashmir possesses enormous potential for aromatic and medicinal crop cultivation. Such initiatives will not only strengthen farm incomes but also create new opportunities for entrepreneurship, value addition and employment generation in rural areas,” he said.
The Minister said the government was committed to strengthening the agriculture sector through infrastructure development, research-backed interventions, improved extension services and stronger market linkages.
Referring to the ongoing “Khet Bacho Abhiyan”, Dar emphasized the need to protect agricultural land and ensure its productive utilization. He urged farmers to bring more cultivable and rain-fed areas under productive use and explore the opportunities offered by aromatic and medicinal crops.
He also highlighted several flagship schemes being implemented by the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, saying that comprehensive support was being extended to farmers through measures aimed at increasing productivity, promoting horticulture development, facilitating farm mechanization, strengthening irrigation infrastructure and encouraging the adoption of modern technologies.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a sustainable and profitable sector, the Minister said focused efforts were underway to improve farmers’ incomes and ensure the socio-economic upliftment of rural communities across Jammu and Kashmir.
During the visit, the Minister inspected stalls set up by Agriculture and allied departments showcasing innovative technologies, successful farming models, horticulture interventions and farmer-centric schemes. He interacted with farmers and exhibitors and appreciated their efforts in spreading awareness about modern agricultural practices and government welfare programmes.
Among those present were Director Agriculture Kashmir, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Director Enforcement J&K, senior officers from Agriculture and allied departments, representatives of farmer organisations and members of the local community.
