Srinagar, Jul 8: valley is witnessing a ‘purple revolution' as Lavender farming yields bumper crops this year much to the delight of the people associated with it. The harvesting of the crop has almost been completed at most of the places much ahead of its exact time to save the crop from dry conditions, Mukhtar Ahmad Wani, Incharge Check-e-Badrinath Lavender farm in south Kashmir's Pulwama told UNI. Wani attributed the bumper crop to a short spell of dry weather during harvesting, which was completed earlier than usual.
He noted that there is high demand for Kashmir Valley's lavender in India and globally. Lavender, a perennial plant that can live up to 20 years under optimal conditions, is a beautiful aromatic shrub with purple flowers containing high levels of essential oil.The essential oil of lavender is recognized globally as a respected commodity besides it has several medicinal and other uses.
It is of very low toxicity, while showing remarkable antiseptic and antimicrobial action, the experts said. The flowers of lavender are very rich in nectar and attract bees and other pollinators. After being cut and dried, lavender flowers are used in the aromatic fragrance industry.
Lavender plants are also grown as ornamental. Commercially, the plant is grown mainly for the production of Lavender essential oil.Wani said this year on the 22 Kanals of Lavender farm at Check-e-Badrinath around 19.
6 quintals of flowers were harvested comparing to the last year of 17.45 quintals .
