LAVENDER CULTIVATION IN INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Agriculture)
Context: Early adopters of lavender cultivation in Bh
Lavender Cultivation in India
- About: It is primarily focused in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.
- Ideal Lavender Hub: Himachal Pradesh in northern India as the most suitable region for lavender cultivation.
- Climate Advantage: Himachal Pradesh boasts a mild climate with low humidity and abundant sunshine, creating an ideal environment for lavender growth.
- Climate Conditions
oSoil: The region's well-drained soils play a crucial role in supporting successful lavender cultivation.
oTemperature: Lavender thrives in regions with cool winters and cool summers.
oSunlight: Lavender requires good sunlight exposure for optimal growth and flower production.
oRainfall: Annual rainfall ranging from 300 to 1400 mm per year is suitable for lavender cultivation.
oHumidity: Lavender is sensitive to high humidity, which can adversely affect its growth and development.
- Uses: Pharmaceutical and therapeutic, Industrial, Cosmetics, and Food and flavouring.
Government Initiatives
- Aroma Mission: It was launched in 2016 to promote the cultivation of lavender plants, which hold aromatic healing effects through advanced technology.
- Purple Revolution: The Union Ministry of Science & Technology launched the Purple Revolution in 2016 through CSIR's Aroma Mission.
oFree Lavender Saplings for New Farmers: First-time farmers received free lavender saplings under the mission, while experienced growers were charged Rs. 5-6 per sapling.
aderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, transform scepticism into success, expanding production and creating local employment opportunities.
