Lavender farmers' expectations from Interim Budget 2024
The lavender farmers have pinned their hope that upcoming Interim Budget 2024 provides a boost to government’s ‘aroma mission’.
Source: Pexels Photo
As per DST data, the net annual income of farmers who switched from maize to lavender cultivation has increased from around Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000 per hectare to Rs 3.50 lakh to Rs 6 lakh per hectare.
Source: Kashmir Aromatics' website
The lavender farmers have earned over Rs 5 crore between 2018 and 2022 by selling dry flowers, lavender plants, and lavender oil.
Source: Kashmir Aromatics' website
Bhadarwah valley has been recognised as India’s ‘lavender capital’ for successfully growing exotic aromatic lavender.
Source: Pexels Photo
The farmers associated with the cultivation of lavender are hoping that the government will continue its support in the form of providing free saplings of the aromatic plant.
Source: Pexels Photo
Farmers also want to switch from traditional farming besides sanctioning more distillation units and helping them establish lavender based units to add value addition.