Source: TH
Context:
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Pulwama (J&K), has for the first time produced mono-floral lavender honey, positioning India among a select group of countries like France, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria, England, and Turkey in the global premium lavender honey market.
What is Mono-Floral Honey?
- Honey derived majorly from nectar of a single flower type (≥80% of nectar source).
- Has distinct flavor, aroma, and medicinal properties based on the flower source.
Why Lavender Honey in Kashmir?
- Kashmir’s climatic conditions favor lavender cultivation, promoted under the “Aroma Mission” of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu.
- Confirmed with 61% lavender pollen concentration through scientific testing.
- Validated using advanced technologies like fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy.
- Beekeepers place hives near lavender farms to ensure bees collect nectar mainly from lavender.
Purple Revolution
- Lavender cultivation introduced in Kashmir in the 1970s (from Bulgaria).
- Expanded significantly since 2014, now spread over 750 hectares across J&K.
- Over 3,000 families involved; featured in 2024 Republic Day Parade tableaux.
- Farmers, especially women from Self Help Groups, are being trained in cultivation and beekeeping.
Benefits of Lavender Cultivation
- Pest-repellent due to antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties.
- Enhances pollination in apple and plum orchards by supporting bee ecosystems.
- Provides farmers with high-value returns and boosts rural bio-enterprises.
Government’s Role
- National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM): Provides training, quality testing, and market linkages.
- CSIR Aroma Mission: Expanding lavender cultivation (“Purple Revolution”) in J&K.
