Workshop to promote cultivation of medicinal, aromatic plants held at Kathua

Kathua: Department of Agriculture Kathua, in collaboration with IIIM-CSIR Jammu, today organised a one day workshop on promotion of cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants under Aroma mission, here at Conference hall of Chief Agriculture Office.

In the opening session, Chief Agriculture Officer, Vijay Upadhayay, said the Department of Agriculture, Kathua is starting the campaign for promotion of cultivation of medicinal & aromatic plants in the district in ensuing rainy season and particularly Lemon grass cultivation from Kootah Panchayat. He said a preliminary exercise has been conducted by the officers of the Department and 10 Acre area under Aloevera, 25 Acre under Lemon Grass and 10 Acre area under Lavender has already been identified.

Vijay Upadhayay said that Rs. 1.00 lakh has been allotted to Subdivision Dayalachack for promotion of Lemon grass cultivation, while 10000 saplings have been provided to farmers of Bani area this year for promotion of Lavender.

“To increase the scale & volume of production during 2021-22 District Kathua has set a target to bring 10 Hectare area under Aloevera, 50 hectare under lemon grass and 10 hectare area under Lavender,” he added.

Earlier, the scientists from IIIM-CSIR, V.P Rahul and Dr. Rajendra Bhanwaria imparted technical knowledge regarding the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants viz Lemon Grass, Aloevera & Lavender. A live interaction session of farmers/officers with scientists from IIIM-CSIR was also held on the occasion, in which different queries were clarified. Scientists also gave assurance to provide all necessary handholding for promotion of cultivation of medicinal & aromatic plants. “There is a tremendous scope for cultivation of lemon grass and Aloevera in kandi area, monkey menace affected area, uncultivated/abandoned state land and abandoned land on zero line border area” they added.

While sharing technical guidance to the participants, the resource persons of IIIM-CSIR said that Lavender cultivation will play a pivotal role in raising the socio-economic condition of the small and marginal farmers in temperate areas of the district.

The shift from traditional farming to cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants will play a decisive role in doubling of farming income in different agro-climatic zones of district Kathua.

DAO (Ext.) Kathua Raju Mahajan presented vote of thanks. About 60 officers/farmers participated in the said workshop.