The scrapping of Article 370 and change from a state to Union Territory has proved to be beneficial for Jammu and Kashmir in multiple ways. In latest development, floriculture in Srinagar has witnessed a boost after the Indian government set up modern oil extraction plant in the city.
Jammu and Kashmir has seen an increased focus on boosting floriculture since it became a union territory last year. The step has also provided employment opportunities and boosted the income of locals.
Syed Altaf Aijaz Andrabi, Director, Agriculture, Kashmir said the government is making efforts towards crop diversification and enhancing the income of the farmers.
“There is no problem with money. The government is providing the best financial assistance to the agriculture sector. Through floriculture, the government is working for diversification of crops for the benefit of farmers and giving sustainability to their incomes,” Andrabi said.
He said oil extraction plant set up at Lal Mandi in Srinagar will provide value addition to floriculture.
“The plant incorporates latest international technology and will help the farmers and floriculture sector,” he added.
At the oil extraction plant, Fida Iqbal, Floriculture Development Scheme Officer said, they extract oil from rose, lavender and other flowers.
“Lavender is a commercial crop and many farmers are growing it on a large scale. We have covered farmers of Budgam, Kupwara, Srinagar and Pulwama districts and they can use this extraction plant,” he said.
He said flowers lose their aromatic quality during transportation to large distances and the plant will help be of great help.
The floriculture sector has a lot of potential but people have not been able to reap proper benefits due to inadequate infrastructure.
Mohamad Shafi, a progressive flower grower, said the government has taken a good step by setting up the plant. “Kashmir is known for flowers. It is a good decision by the government to set up an oil extraction plant here. People can grow these flowers and can increase their income,” he said.
Ghulam Mohamad Baba, an employee at the oil extraction plant, said it will motivate youth to take to floriculture in a bigger way.
“I want to thank the government for starting the oil extraction plant here for the first time. It will give hope to youth,” he said.
Some flowers have good medicinal value apart from aromatic value and oil extraction plant is a big boon for people engaged in floriculture.