6 lakh Lavander seedlings procured from Bhaderwah, distributed among 650 new farmers of Uttarakhand and J&K

Bhaderwah Feb 21: In a significant initiative to further promote lavender cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand, 6 lakh quality planting material (QPM) of lavender seedlings were procured from 50 nurseries of Bhaderwah known for bringing famous Purple Revolution in India by succefully growing exotic aromatic crop. The seedlings of the exotic aromatic plant were among approximately 650 farmers.

The free distribution of lavender seedlings among new farmers, who want to switch from growing traditional crops to the much lucrative aromatic flowers is being seen as a major push to further boost purple revolution.

Dr Sandeep Singh Charak, Lavander Scientist from CSIR-IIIM Jammu said that the procurement and distribution of seedlings was taken up on the directions of Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Jatinder Singh to foster the “Purple Revolution” as part of Phase – 3 of the CSIR-Aroma Mission.

“This year alone, IIIM Jammu has procured 6 lakh Lavander seedlings grown by the local farmers in 50 nurseries of Bhaderwah which have been distributed among 400 farmers of Uttarakhand and 250 new farmers of Rajouri, Poonch and Doda District of Jammu and Kashmir,” said Dr Sandeep Singh Charak.

A progressive farmer and young entrepreneur Touqeer Bagban also known as ‘Lavander Man of India’ who has succefully motivated and engaged 2500 farmers to switch from traditional maize cultivation to grow aromatic Lavander their by becoming instrumental in bringing Purple Revolution said, “This is a major boost far Lavander farmers as CSIR-IIIM not only purchased six lakh seedlings from the nursery owners but also distributed free seedlings among the new farmers who want to switch from traditional crop to exotic Lavander cultivation and credit for all the success goes to our Minister Dr Jatinder Singh.”

“I was a bit skeptical in the beginning to grow Lavander nursery but today I am among the happier lot as I earned Rs 30,000 from a small patch of land where I grew Lavander seedlings. Now I regret to grow just 10,000 plants but will surely increase the same to 1lakh Seedlings in the next season,” said Mohd Dawood of Sharekhi Village of Bhaderwah.

The shift to lavender has led to substantial income increases for farmers, with earnings rising from roughly ₹40,000–₹60,000 per hectare to over ₹3,50,000–₹6,00,000 per hectare.

Lavender is a low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and animal-resistant crop, making it suitable for hilly regions. It provides returns for about 15 years after the first two years of plantation.

The program has expanded significantly, with over 30 lakh free plants given to farmers, and it has now extended beyond J&K to other parts of India, including Uttarakhand, Himachal pradesh and north-eastern states.