OCT 12:Minister Javid Dar paid a visit to the Medicinal and Aromatic Plantation Farm at Rohama, Baramulla, where he reviewed ongoing activities under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). The visit focused on promoting high-value crop diversification, sustainable farming practices, and income generation opportunities for farmers in the region.
During his interaction with farmers and agricultural experts, Minister Dar emphasized the need to move beyond traditional crops toward medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), which have growing demand in domestic and global markets. He appreciated the efforts of the Agriculture Department in implementing HADP projects that combine innovation, scientific practices, and farmer-centric approaches to strengthen the rural economy.
Highlighting the importance of sustainable agriculture, Javid Dar noted that diversification into high-value crops like lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, and ashwagandha can significantly enhance farmers’ income while ensuring soil health and environmental sustainability. He urged farmers to adopt organic methods, efficient water use, and climate-resilient technologies to meet future challenges in agriculture.
The Minister also inspected the ongoing cultivation practices, nursery management, and post-harvest processing units at the farm. He directed officials to ensure that farmers receive proper training, quality planting material, and access to markets through cooperative models and agri-startups.
Speaking with the local farming community, Javid Dar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering farmers through innovation, technology, and sustainable value chains. He said that initiatives under HADP are transforming agriculture into a profitable enterprise, ensuring that even small and marginal farmers benefit from modern interventions.
Farmers expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit and guidance, sharing their experiences with medicinal plant cultivation and the positive impact on their livelihoods.
The visit concluded with a call to strengthen partnerships between farmers, research institutions, and government agencies to make Baramulla a hub for high-value medicinal and aromatic crop cultivation.
