Ajloun, July 22 (Petra) – Lavender cultivation in the Umm Al-Yanabi area of Ajloun Governorate is attracting growing interest from farmers and visitors, drawn by the plant’s fragrant purple blossoms, economic value, and wide range of uses in natural products.

The crop is increasingly viewed as a promising option for diversifying agricultural production and supporting rural tourism.

Umm Al-Yanabi’s moderate climate, suitable elevation, and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for lavender, which flourishes during the summer. Its flowering fields add visual appeal to local farms and attract people interested in agriculture, nature, and photography.

Ajloun Agriculture Director Saitan Sarhan underlined that the directorate encourages economically viable non-traditional crops, including lavender, because of its ability to adapt to the governorate’s environmental conditions and the strong local and international demand for its products. He emphasized that expanding such crops could diversify farmers’ income sources and support sustainable agricultural development.

Junaid Agricultural Center Director Riham Momani noted that Umm Al-Yanabi is well suited to lavender cultivation because of its climate. She added that the center provides farmers with agricultural guidance on cultivation and plant care practices to ensure high-quality production and improve the prospects of the initiative’s success.

Intisar Zeitoun, who owns a local enterprise in Umm Al-Yanabi, explained that lavender is used to produce natural soap, essential oils, perfumes, candles, and scented sachets.

She highlighted that demand for lavender-based natural products is increasing because of the plant’s distinctive fragrance and multiple uses, encouraging her to invest in the sector and develop locally made products inspired by Ajloun’s natural environment.

Farmer Ahmad Bani Saeed described lavender as a promising crop for Umm Al-Yanabi because the area’s climate and natural conditions are suitable for its growth. He pointed out that rising demand and the plant’s economic value and diverse uses could encourage more farmers to cultivate it in the coming years.

Faten Al-Ghazou, a member of the "Environment Brings Us Together" initiative, indicated that lavender cultivation in Umm Al-Yanabi could become a model for promoting agricultural and environmental tourism in Ajloun.

During the flowering season, the fields turn purple and fill the air with lavender’s fragrance, strengthening Ajloun’s appeal as a destination combining natural beauty with sustainable agricultural production.

//Petra// AO