Chamomile farming picks up in Dharamsala

Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, January 1

Many women covered under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) have taken to chamomile farming in Dharamsala block.

Chamomile is a popular tea flavour. Rural development officers say women involved in its farming will be able to earn Rs 2.5 lakh per hectare annually. Chamomile plants keep giving flowers every three months, thus fetching regular income to the growers.

Rs55,000/kanal aid

• Chamomile is a popular tea flavour , its growers will be able to earn Rs2.5 lakh per hectare annually, say officials
• Rural Development Dept is providing Rs 55,000 /kanal assistance to chamomile growers, including farm labour under MGNREGA

Dharamsala BDO Abhineet Katyayan said it was for the first time that the women associated with self-help groups were taking to chamomile farming. The Rural Development Department was giving Rs 55,000 per kanal assistance to the women taking to chamomile farming. This includes providing chamomile samplings besides farm labour under MGNREGA. The first such crop in the region would bear flowers in 2.5 months, the BDO said. The department would also help growers in selling their produce. Initially, it would be sold locally under “Namaste Dharamsala” brand. “If the quality is found satisfactory, it will also be sold through e-marketing sites,” he said.

Kangra ADC Rahul visited Paddar village today to inspect chamomile plantation. “This is for the first time that chamomile cultivation is being taken up under MGNREGA. Technical guidance is being provided by the Ayurvedic Medical Officer,” the Block Development Officer said.