Anantnag, Jun 25 (KNO): Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmad Dar on Thursday said the government is actively encouraging farmers to diversify towards crops that are less vulnerable to changing weather patterns and climate-related challenges.
Dar inaugurated the Lavender Festival at the scenic Lavender Farm in Sirhama village of Anantnag district, underscoring the growing importance of aromatic crop cultivation in Kashmir's agricultural landscape.
The event witnessed the participation of MLAs Bashir Ahmad Veeri, Altaf Ahmad Kallo, Advocate Reyaz Ahmad Khan, A.B. Majeed Larmi and several other dignitaries, farmers and agriculture enthusiasts. The sprawling lavender fields, painted in shades of purple, attracted visitors and farmers alike and reflected the region's increasing shift towards high-value aromatic crops.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, the Agriculture Minister, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, "Climate change has emerged as a major concern for the agricultural sector. We are motivating farmers to adopt crops such as lavender, which are comparatively resilient and offer better economic returns. These crops not only benefit farmers financially but also contribute positively to the environment and attract tourists."
He said that lavender cultivation has gained significant momentum in recent years, with an increasing number of farmers taking an interest in aromatic farming.
"It is encouraging to see more and more people cultivating lavender. This reflects growing awareness among farmers about the potential of aromatic crops. Such initiatives are helping create new livelihood opportunities and strengthening rural economies," Dar added.
The minister said the lavender fields have also become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from different parts of the country and thereby creating additional income opportunities for local communities.
Responding to queries regarding the allotment of shops at various fruit mandis, including Bijbehara, Prichoo in Pulwama, Pachhar in Pulwama, Shopian and other locations, Dar said the government is working on a comprehensive mechanism to ensure transparency and fairness in the allotment process.
"We want to evolve a system that is fair, transparent and inclusive. The objective is to ensure that deserving stakeholders are accommodated and that the process benefits the maximum number of people," he said.
Addressing concerns over the increasing construction activity on fertile agricultural land, the minister acknowledged the challenge posed by population growth and rising housing needs. However, he emphasised that safeguarding cultivable land remains a priority for the government.
"Laws and regulations regarding agricultural land already exist. At the same time, population growth creates a demand for housing. The government is striving to strike a balance so that fertile land is protected and food security is not compromised. We do not want a situation where we become excessively dependent on others for our food requirements," he said.
On the issue of vacant posts of Block Development Officers (BDOs) in several blocks across Jammu and Kashmir, the minister said the vacancies had arisen due to transfers and promotions, but assured that the government is taking steps to address the shortage.
"Some officers have been transferred, while others have been promoted. The process is underway, and BDOs will be posted in all such blocks very soon to ensure smooth functioning of development activities at the grassroots level," he said—(KNO)