Archive · 12 Jan 2026
J&K Lavender Farmers Seek Protection from Imports
Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir who grow lavender are having a hard time.
They used to make good money selling lavender flowers and oil, but now other countries like China, France, and Bulgaria are selling cheaper lavender.
This makes it hard for the local farmers to sell their lavender at good prices.
They want the government to help by making it harder for cheap imports to come in.
They also want better ways to find fair prices and better access to markets.
Without help, they might not be able to keep growing lavender, which could be a problem for the region.
Lavender farmers in Jammu and Kashmir's Chenab Valley face stiff competition from cheaper imports.
Imports from China, France, and Bulgaria have undercut local prices, reducing profit margins.
Around 4,000 farmers cultivate lavender on 1,200 hectares in the region.
Farmers demand higher import duties and better market access to protect their incomes.
The price of dried lavender flowers has dropped from ₹1,500 per kg to ₹600 per kg due to imports.
- Who
- Lavender farmers in Jammu and Kashmir's Chenab Valley
- What
- Farmers are seeking protection from cheaper imports that are hurting their incomes
- When
- The issue has been ongoing, with a significant impact in recent years
- Where
- Chenab Valley region of the Jammu division, Jammu and Kashmir
- Why
- Cheaper imports from countries like China, France, and Bulgaria have undercut local prices, squeezing profit margins
- Region
- Chenab Valley, Jammu and Kashmir
- Farmers
- 4,000
- Cultivation Area
- 1,200 hectares
- Importing Countries
- China, France, Bulgaria
- Local Price (Dried Flowers)
- ₹1,500 per kg (previously), ₹600 per kg (currently)
- Foreign Price (Dried Flowers)
- ₹600 per kg
- Demand
- Higher import duties, better price discovery, improved market access