DODA: From a crop being cultivated on just a quantum of 250 kanal land one and half year ago, lavender is now grown in Doda district on over 700 kanal land with around 500 farmers having opted to make it a regular source of income.
This has been stated by Deputy Commissioner, Doda, Dr Sagar D Doifode, who said that the Institute of High Altitude Medicinal Plant, coming up in Bhaderwah, forms a major component of the Central Government’s plan to boost the production of medicinal plants and flowers used for extracting cosmetic oils, which are in high demand across the globe.
This Institute is going to become a major provider of seeds and technical support to local farmers helping them to become self sufficient in the process which is the basis of Atmanirbhar Bharat Policy, he added. He also said that the district administration was taking every step to ensure infrastructural facilities to the farmers of the district for cultivation of Lavender and other flowerets.
The DC further informed that the district administration has established 3 distillation plants for extraction of lavender and marigold essences and oils for the convenience of the local farmers.