Business prospects of lavender cultivation

Lavender is a fragrant and versatile plant that has been used for centuries for various purposes. In recent years, its popularity has been on the rise, and lavender cultivation has become a lucrative business for farmers. The plant’s essential oil is widely used in the cosmetics industry, perfumery, and aromatherapy. It has several health benefits and is also known to repel insects. The increasing demand for natural and organic products is also boosting the demand for lavender-based products. Here we explore how lavender cultivation can help farmers excel financially. 

Pathway from the field to fragrance industry 

1. Harvesting: Lavender is usually harvested in the summer when the flowers are in full bloom. Harvesting is done by hand or using a mechanical harvester.

2. Drying: Once harvested, lavender is dried to reduce moisture content and prevent mold growth. Drying can be done in a drying room or using a dehydrator.

3. Bundling: After drying, lavender is bundled into small bundles and tied together with twine. The bundles are then hung in a dry, cool place to further dry out.

4. Processing: Once the lavender is completely dry, it is processed to extract the essential oil. The processing may involve steam distillation or using solvents to extract the oil.

5. Testing: Before the oil is sent to the fragrance industry, it is tested to ensure it meets industry standards in terms of quality, purity, and potency.

6. Packaging: The lavender oil is packaged in bottles, vials, or drums, depending on the quantity and the requirements of the buyer.

7. Shipping: The packaged lavender oil is then shipped to the fragrance industry and used in the production of various products like perfumes, soaps, and candles.

8. End Use: The lavender fragrance is used in a variety of products, including perfumes, lotions, bath products, and soaps. The end-users of the lavender fragrance industry are consumers who use these products in their daily lives.

Farmers are the sellers 

Dr. Sumeet Gairola, Principal Scientist at Plant Sciences and Agrotechnology Division (PSA) in CSIR – Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine has done thorough research on lavender cultivation in the region. His study has helped decode related challenges and prospects. For any such business prospects, it is important that the farmers or growers themselves sell their products to the market to get best benefits.

When asked how do lavender growers in the region market their products, and which markets are most profitable, he explains “currently lavender growers are selling their products in the local Indian markets. Products such as Lavender essential oil and flowers are mostly sold to the buyers from different parts of the country. Buyers directly purchase from the farmers. CSIR-IIIM Jammu directly connects buyers with the farmers. CSIR-IIIM in collaboration with the state authorities of Jammu and Kashmir is trying to develop a marketplace for the Lavender Farmers. Many farmers are now registered on gem and selling their products through gem portal also. GeM portal is a paperless; contactless and cashless online marketplace. 

Challenges on the way for the farmers 

While explaining the benefits, Dr. Gairola also highlight the challenges or obstacles faced by lavender growers in Jammu and Kashmir. “Lavender cultivation was at very small scale in J&K till 2016 but from 2017 onwards under Aroma mission Lavender cultivation has been promoted in the J&K as well as other states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and few other north-eastern states. Currently production of Lavender oil and flowers is increasing and in coming years production will be in bulk quantities. Since Lavender is mainly produced in the European countries like France and Bulgaria, the prices of lavender oil depends on the prices in international market. Due to which sometimes prices, fluctuate. As production of lavender oil will increase, maintaining prices of Lavender will be a challenge for the farmers. However, farmers are being trained in the value addition of their products which will support them in long run.

Lavender cultivation to be integrated into sustainable agriculture practices 

Sumeet Gairola knows many farmers who have joined the lavender revolution in the country. He shares experiences of the farmers with us. “The farmers who are currently growing Lavender used to grow maize. The output per acre was roughly around Rs.20,000-Rs.30,000 per year. The profitability of the farmers who are currently growing lavender has increased many fold. Now they are getting profit more than 1.5 lakh rupees per acre per year. The Lavender is mostly grown on the rain-fed slopes in the region. Due to climate change and monkey menace the profitability of the farmers growing traditional crops has reduced and they are barely surviving. Lavender has given them better alternative than the traditional crops where their profitability is very low.” 

Overall, lavender cultivation in India has a bright future as a lucrative business venture. The increasing demand for natural and organic products, coupled with the favourable growing conditions in several states, makes lavender cultivation a profitable and sustainable option for farmers and entrepreneurs.