Rahi vijay Sharma
DODA, MAY 28:- One Day virtual training programme on lavender cultivation for employment generation was today conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Doda, through Google meet under the guidance of Dr J.P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu. The programme was inaugurated by Dr S.K. Gupta, Director Extension SKUAST Jammu and was attended by the farmers, rural youth and officers and extension functionaries of the Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers’ welfare from Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Udhampur and Kathua Districts. It was intended for promoting inter-district linkages and extension of successful model of lavender cultivation from Doda to other districts of Jammu Division
The programme started with welcome address by Dr AS Charak, Senior Scientist and Head KVK Doda. He also held the deliberations on agronomic practices for lavender cultivation. Dr Narinder Paul Scientist, KVK Doda briefed the participants in detail about potential and opportunities in lavender cultivation for temperate regions of Jammu Division. Dr Vishal Mahajan, Senior Scientist & Head KVK Kathua discussed about opportunities in value addition of lavender oil. He called for using highly efficient oil extraction units for obtaining maximum possible essential oil from lavender flowers. Bharat Bhushan, an IARI Innovative Awardee Farmer from District Doda shared his experiences of establishing a successful and economically viable lavender nursery. Touqeer Bagban, a young lavender entrepreneur from Bhaderwah shared the experiences of essential oil extraction process with the participants
Sunil Singh Deputy Director Floriculture briefed the participants about different schemes of department for promoting lavender cultivation. Vijay Upadhaya Chief Agriculture Officer Kathua stressed upon startup support to the lavender entrepreneurs in context of existing competitive market. Dr Rakesh Khajuria, District Agriculture Officer (Extension) Doda called for reorienting the Kisan Credit Card Scheme and PM Fasal Bima Yojana for the benefit of the lavender farmers. During the programme deliberation were held among the participants and resource persons on exploiting the multiple entrepreneurship potential of the lavender for increasing income of the small and marginal farmers and through involvement of rural youth. The programme ended with vote of thanks by Dr GN Jha Scientist KVK Doda.
