Bhaderwah, Jan 5: Farmers associated with the Purple Revolution in Jammu and Kashmir have urged the Centre to raise import duty on lavender and provide policy support in the Union Budget 2026-27, citing a sharp fall in returns that threatens the sustainability of the high-value crop.
Growers from Bhaderwah in Doda district—where nearly 4,000 farmers have shifted from traditional maize cultivation to lavender—said the influx of cheaper imported lavender oil has severely impacted domestic prices, eroding incomes and discouraging new cultivation.
“Lavender changed our lives initially. It required less water, gave better returns than maize and opened new market opportunities,” said a group of farmers from Bhaderwah. “But unchecked imports have crashed prices, and many of us are now struggling to even recover our costs.”
The Purple Revolution, promoted under national mission programmes, positioned lavender as a game-changer for hill agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the temperate belt of Bhaderwah. Farmers say the crop helped diversify agriculture, reduced dependence on low-value cereals and generated rural employment, especially for women.
However, growers allege that imported lavender oil and raw material, mainly from overseas markets, are entering India at low tariffs, undercutting locally produced oil. “We are competing with countries where production costs are much lower. Without tariff protection, Indian farmers cannot survive,” said a lavender distiller from the region.
Farmers have demanded a rational increase in import duty on lavender oil and related products to ensure a level playing field. They also sought assured procurement, minimum support mechanisms and expansion of domestic value chains to stabilise prices.
“Our request for Budget 2026 is simple—protect Indian lavender,” said another grower. “If policy support is withdrawn now, farmers will be forced to abandon the crop and return to maize, undoing years of progress.”
Agricultural experts warn that neglecting lavender farmers could weaken confidence in alternative cropping models promoted in ecologically sensitive regions. “Policy consistency is crucial. Farmers took risks based on government assurances. Sudden market shocks can push them back into subsistence farming,” an expert said.
The growers have also sought increased support for processing units, branding of Bhaderwah lavender and export facilitation to strengthen domestic competitiveness.
As Union Budget 2026-27 approaches, lavender farmers say timely intervention is essential to sustain the Purple Revolution in Jammu and Kashmir and protect livelihoods built around the aromatic crop.