GANDERBAL: Director Agriculture Kashmir Sartaj Ahmad Shah today Visited Model Floriculture Center Nunar, Ganderbal where he flagged off first ever consignment of dry Lavender Flower Spikes to Dehradun.

While interacting with the Officers, Director highlighted the economic importance of lavender crop and said that it is one of the best cash crops in the world. He said the demand for quality planting material of lavender has increased over the years and efforts are on to attract progressive agriculture entrepreneurs towards this aromatic crop.

Sartaj said that the idea behind the promotion and introduction of lavender crop to more areas on commercial lines is to create employment opportunities for the youth.

He further said that in coming days the uncultivable and barren land throughout valley will be brought under the cultivation of Lavender crop.

Regarding Agri-Tourism, Director said that three Departmental Farms have already been brought under this crop to boost the agriculture and tourism sectors.

Floriculture Development Officer Waheed Ur Rehman, Floriculturist Ab. Hamid Shah, Farm Manager MFC Nunar besides Staff of Floriculture Development Scheme were present on the occasion.