Srinagar: Agriculture Production and Farmers welfare Department Kashmir organised a one day training cum awareness program on commercial cultivation of floriculture crops/aromatic and medicinal plants.
Director Agriculture Kashmir Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal inaugurated the program .
Different speakers delivered lectures regarding the prospectus and commercial cultivation of floriculture crops, aromatic and medicinal plants.
The program was attended by a Joint Director Apiculture and Mushroom Farooq Ahmad Shah, Floriculture Development Officer Ravinder Dhar, Floriculturist Fida Iqbal, large gathering of commercial floriculturist, growers, budding floriculture entrepreneurs, besides other officers and officials of the department.
While delivering his inaugural address Director Agriculture said Floriculture is a fast emerging major venture in the world, especially a potential money spinner for the growers of Kashmir valley, as the valley has got the immense potential due the feasible climatic and topographical features.
Director said that the department is working in a coordinated manner for propagating various ornamental, aromatic and medicinal plants among the masses so that growers will get optimum returns per unit area. Besides the department has made it a commitment to upgrade and educate the common growers, Budding entrepreneurs with latest trends in floriculture sector and today’s program is a key step towards that.
Regarding the floriculture activities director said the agriculture department has ventured in a highly remunerative commercial cultivation of aromatic plants to become relevant in international market and in this backdrop lavender oil extraction plant has been established recently in Srinagar district. He asked the interested growers to venture into lavender cultivation, which could generate maximum revenue for growers, besides the department is committed for further strengthening and providing marketing facilities to the farmers associated with essential oil extraction from lavender, Bulgarian rose, scented geranium and rose marry.