The Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Department has established two lavender nurseries in Uri, Baramulla district, to promote medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation and boost farmers' income, officials said.
Nursery Locations and Facilities
The nurseries are located in the border areas of Trikanjan Boniyar and Sultandakhi in Uri. The Trikanjan Boniyar nursery, spread over nearly 40 kanals, is equipped with a modern lavender oil extraction and processing unit for producing premium essential oils and perfumes. The Sultandakhi nursery, covering around 10 kanals, will focus on cultivating and distributing quality lavender planting material among local farmers.
Diversified High-Value Crops
Apart from lavender, the farm at Trikanjan is cultivating several high-value species, including rosemary, Saussurea costus, Bergenia ciliata, Artemisia annua, and Acorus calamus, further expanding opportunities for diversified farming in the region, officials added.
Expert and Official Statements
Farm expert Sharan Gurdev Singh said the initiative aims to encourage farmers to adopt medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation as a profitable commercial venture. He said the department is providing technical guidance, quality planting material and continuous support to growers interested in shifting towards high-value crops.
Farm Manager at Trikanjan Boniyar, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, said the establishment of the nurseries and processing facility marks a significant step toward developing Uri into a major hub for medicinal and aromatic plants, with lavender emerging as a promising cash crop capable of strengthening the local agricultural economy.
Local Worker Involvement
Local workers involved in maintaining the nurseries said regular upkeep remains essential for healthy crop growth. “We carry out cleaning and maintenance work at least three times a week to ensure proper plant care,” they said.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The initiative is expected to open new livelihood opportunities for farmers and labourers alike while positioning Uri as an emerging centre for lavender cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir.
