Region fit to become Lavender capital of India: DC Doda

CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Ministry of Science and Technology today organised an Interactive Workshop on Challenges, Interventions and Opportunities for the farmers of Bhadarwah under CSIR Floriculture Mission.

The workshop, witnessing participation of aroned one hundred local farmers associated with cultivation of flowers at commercial scale, was held at Lal-Ded Auditorium of Bhadarwah Campus with primary aimed at Capacity Building, value addition and Post-Harvest Management of High-Value Floricultural Crops as a part of CSIR Floriculture Mission.

The Chief Guest, DDC Chairman Doda Dhananter Singh Kotwal, inaugurated the workshop in presence of Guests of honour, Vice Chairperson Sangeeta Rani Bhagat and Deputy Commissioner Doda Vishesh Paul Mahajan, by lighting of traditional lamps.

In his inaugural address, the Chairman DDC Doda congratulated the organizers of the workshop and expressed his interest in the promotion of the Floriculture sector in the district. He also assured of his full support in the implementation of the Mission.

The Deputy Commissioner Doda Vishesh Paul Mahajan, while addressing the farmers said, "Let us take the pledge to make Bhadarwah a shining success story in the field of Floriculture as it has adequate potential to emerge as the lavender capital of India."

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr Shahid Rasool, Nodal Scientist CSIR Floriculture Mission said, "To fulfill the clarion call of Prime Minister to double the income of Farmers, CSIR-IIIM under its Floriculture Mission, has organised the workshop to facilitate the tapping of immense Floriculture potential in Bhaderwah, especially cut flowers and aromatic plants."

"The verticals of the mission include the development of new floral varieties; expansion of areas under region-specific floricultural crops; integration of apiculture and floriculture and establishing effective domestic and international market linkage," Dr Shahid said.

“Owing to the high demand of cut flowers and loose flowers across the county, the mission with its various strategically devised verticals, offers a unique opportunity in enhancing the economy and livelihood of the UT especially areas like Bhadarwah Valley,” he added.

Farmers expressed their gratitude to CSIR-IIIM for organising the workshop in Bhadarwah which, according to them, will surely open new avenue to increase their income by adopting value addition of their crops.