LAVENDER CULTIVATION
1. Context
When lavender cultivation was first introduced to Bhaderwah subdivision in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district in 2015, most farmers were sceptical and just a handful gave it a go. Today, these early adopters have significantly expanded cultivation, employ 30-40 people each on a full-time basis, have their own distillation units for making lavender oil, and market their products in different parts of the country
2. About Lavender
- Lavender, which thrives in regions with snowy winters and hilly landscapes, blooms and becomes ready for harvest approximately two and a half years after being planted.
- The same lavender plant can continue to produce flowers for 18-20 years without the need for significant amounts of insecticides, pesticides, or other chemicals commonly used in conventional crops such as maize and rice.
- Lavender finds diverse applications in the production of perfumes, soaps, incense sticks (agarbatti), and air fresheners.
- This particular variety of lavender is exceptionally well-suited for cultivation in rainfed temperate regions across India.
- One advantage of selling dried lavender flowers is that consumers are assured of their purity, as they are free from adulteration. Additionally, apart from extracting oil as needed, buyers can utilise them for various other purposes
Temperature and soil condition for lavender cultivation
Temperature:
- Lavender generally prefers temperate climates with moderate temperatures.
- It grows best in regions where the average temperatures range from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 30 degrees Celsius) during the growing season.
- Lavender can withstand cold winters, but it requires protection from extreme frost and snowfall, especially during the dormant period.
Soil Conditions:
- Well-drained soil is essential for lavender cultivation to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
- Sandy or loamy soils with good drainage and a slightly alkaline pH (around 6.5 to 8.5) are ideal for lavender.
- Soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can help promote healthy growth.
- Lavender plants are sensitive to soil moisture levels, so it's crucial to avoid waterlogged or excessively dry conditions.
- Additionally, lavender thrives in soil with good aeration and adequate sunlight exposure
3.Lavender cultivation in India
Lavender cultivation in India has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in regions with suitable climatic conditions. While traditionally associated with Mediterranean climates, lavender can be successfully grown in certain parts of India that offer favorable temperatures and soil conditions.
Some key points regarding lavender cultivation in India include:
- Lavender thrives in regions with temperate climates characterized by moderate temperatures and ample sunlight. States like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, parts of Punjab, and certain hilly areas in the Western Ghats provide suitable conditions for lavender cultivation. These regions experience cooler temperatures and well-drained soil, which are conducive to lavender growth
- Lavender prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soil with good aeration. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal, and soil pH ranging from 6.5 to 8.5 is considered suitable for lavender cultivation. Soil rich in organic matter and minerals can promote healthy growth and enhance oil quality in lavender plants
- Selecting the appropriate lavender varieties adapted to Indian conditions is crucial for successful cultivation. Certain varieties, such as Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) and Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin), have shown good adaptability to Indian climates
- Proper cultural practices including irrigation, pruning, fertilization, and weed management are essential for lavender cultivation. Adequate spacing between plants, typically around 30 to 60 cm, allows for good airflow and sunlight penetration, reducing the risk of diseases
- Lavender is typically harvested when the flowers are in full bloom, usually during the summer months. Harvesting is done by hand or using machinery, followed by drying the flowers to preserve their quality. Lavender flowers are then processed for various uses, including oil extraction for perfumes, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and culinary purposes
- Lavender cultivation in India offers promising economic opportunities, particularly in the production of essential oils, perfumes, soaps, and other value-added products. The growing demand for natural and organic products has led to increased interest in lavender farming among Indian farmers and entrepreneurs
Statistics
- According to officials, more than 700 acres of farmland has been brought under lavender cultivation in the area since 2017, and another 100 acres is set to be added.
- The crop was officially introduced in Bhaderwah by the Council Of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, in 2015
- CSIR plans to distribute lavender plants to farmers in parts of Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, and the Kashmir Valley, besides Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and the Northeast
- CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, provides lavender growers end-to-end support, from supplying them quality planting material, to training them, helping them with distillation, and providing them market linkages
- There is a sharp decline in the price of lavender oil, now around Rs 2,500-3,000 per litre as opposed to Rs 12,000 a few years ago. The price drop has been attributed to the import of oil from Bulgaria, France and China by buyers elsewhere in India
4. What is floriculture?
Floriculture is a branch of horticulture focused on the cultivation and management of flowering and ornamental plants for commercial and decorative purposes. It involves the production of flowers, foliage plants, and ornamental crops that are used for various purposes such as floral arrangements, landscaping, interior decoration, and gift-giving.
Key aspects of floriculture include:
- Floriculture encompasses a wide range of plant species, including cut flowers (such as roses, lilies, carnations, and chrysanthemums), potted plants (such as orchids, gerberas, and poinsettias), bedding plants (such as petunias, marigolds, and impatiens), and foliage plants (such as ferns, palms, and philodendrons). Growers select crops based on market demand, climatic suitability, and production requirements
- Floriculture involves various cultivation practices to ensure optimal growth and development of plants. This includes selecting appropriate growing media, providing adequate irrigation and nutrition, controlling pests and diseases, and implementing proper pruning and training techniques. Greenhouse production is common in floriculture, as it allows growers to control environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity
- Harvesting of flowers and ornamental plants is done at specific stages of maturity to ensure maximum quality and longevity. Post-harvest treatments such as grading, sorting, packaging, and transportation are crucial to preserve the freshness and appearance of the products. Cold storage and refrigeration may also be used to extend the shelf life of cut flowers
- Floriculture products are marketed through various channels, including wholesale markets, retail florists, garden centers, supermarkets, online platforms, and floriculture auctions. The industry caters to diverse market segments, including individual consumers, event planners, wedding decorators, and floral designers
- Floriculture is a significant sector of the agricultural industry with substantial economic importance. It provides employment opportunities for a wide range of stakeholders, including growers, farm workers, florists, distributors, and exporters. The industry also contributes to tourism, beautification of urban areas, and cultural and social events
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Aroma Mission
The CSIR-Aroma Mission is a flagship project of CSIR under which Lavender cultivation is being promoted in the temperate regions of J&K.The aim of the project is to increase the income of small and marginal farmers and develop agriculture-based Startups
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5. Way Forward
Today, these early adopters have significantly expanded cultivation, employ 30-40 people each on a full-time basis, have their own distillation units for making lavender oil, and market their products in different parts of the country.
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For Prelims: Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity
For Mains: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints
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Previous Year Questions
1.Which one of the following statements about the Indigo Revolt of 1859 is correct? (UPSC CAPF 2017)
A.It broke out at Poona and Ahmadnagar
B.It was directed against moneylenders
C.It was supported by the intelligentsia of Bengal
D.It was directed against the petty Zamindars and ex-employees of the planters
Answer (C)
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Source: Indianexpress
