PULWAMA: The District Development Commissioner (DDC) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom today visited the Field Station Bonera, Pulwama of the CSIR - Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine and conducted a comprehensive review of the various activities and societal outreach programs being implemented at the station. During his visit, Dr. Basharat interacted with the scientific and technological staff and toured different sectors of the station.
Dr. Shahid Rasool, Senior Scientist and Incharge of the Field Station, informed the DDC that the station, spread over more than 200 acres, focuses on research, development, and technology development for region-specific medicinal, aromatic, nutraceutical and floricultural crops. These efforts aim at commercial-scale production, processing, post-harvest management, and value addition.
Known for its extensive fields of high-value aromatic crops such as Lavender, Rose, Rosemary, and Rose Scented Geranium, the station actively promotes their expansion across the region through various farmer-oriented and societal outreach initiatives under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Dr. Basharat emphasized the significant role of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in shaping the developmental landscape of the country through its scientific and technological capabilities. He commended the scientists at CSIR-IIIM field station Pulwama for their contributions to regional development and affirmed his support for the successful execution of the station's programs and projects.
During his tour, the DDC visited the apiculture unit and distillation facility, where farmers' Lavender harvests were being processed for Lavender oil extraction. The Lavender production initiative provides employment opportunities for local women.
The station distributes Lavender to local farmers in the district and across the Union Territory. Concurrently, it offers training and capacity building to farmers, self-help groups, agri-entrepreneurs, researchers, and students in scientific methodologies through science and technology-led innovative industrial farming and processing practices.
Efforts also include the propagation of Tulip bulbs, aiming to achieve indigenous Tulip bulb availability and reduce dependence on imports. The station focuses on training farmers and developing unique products like Lavender Honey, with efforts to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the honey.
