On March 20, 2025, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, successfully organized an Awareness and Quality Planting Material (QPM) Distribution Program in Bhaderwah, Jammu & Kashmir, to encourage Rosemary cultivation. The initiative aimed to educate farmers on the benefits of Rosemary farming, provide technical guidance, and distribute high-quality planting material to support this profitable agricultural practice.

The program highlighted the economic advantages of Rosemary farming, its suitability for the local climate, and the high market demand for Rosemary and related value-added products. Farmers were given detailed instructions on soil preparation, irrigation techniques, pest management, and sustainable farming practices. During a hands-on training session, experts demonstrated proper lavender transplantation techniques to enhance plant survival and optimize yields.

A total of 21 farmers from different areas of Bhaderwah District attended the session and received 50,000 rooted Rosemary plants. This large-scale distribution aims to foster widespread adoption of Rosemary farming, helping farmers diversify their agricultural activities and increase their income.

By equipping farmers with essential resources and practical skills, this initiative by CSIR-IIIM seeks to promote agricultural diversification, rural economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Rosemary, a climate-resilient and low-water-demand crop, holds the potential to enhance farm income, boost eco-friendly farming practices, and contribute to the overall economic development of the region.