Lavender brings business opportunities to a Colonița resident
The lavender fields are in full bloom, creating a breathtaking landscape filled with an unmistakable fragrance. This aromatic and medicinal plant is widely cultivated in the Republic of Moldova and has significant growth potential. Farmer Valeriu Ciorbă from the village of Colonița has also opted to cultivate lavender, turning his farming practice into a way of life.
Valeriu Ciorbă and his family, driven by ambition and determination, are developing a fragrant lavender business near the city of Chisinau. What began as a passion project in 2017 has evolved into a lifestyle for them.
Currently, Valeriu manages approximately eight hectares of lavender in the village of Colonița, just five kilometers from the capital. He aims to fully utilize this crop to create a diverse range of lavender-based cosmetic products.
“In 2017, fate led us to acquire some lavender cuttings. Initially, we thought it would be a hobby we would dedicate a day or two to each week, hoping to become rich and happy afterward. However, the reality turned out to be quite different. Gradually, what started as a hobby transformed into a lifestyle, especially during the busy season,” Valeriu shared on the show "Zi de Zi" on Radio Moldova.
He began with a lot of manual labor, but eventually incorporated more mechanization. After the blooming period, the flowers are harvested, and essential oil is extracted from them, according to Valeriu.
“From classic lavender products such as bouquets, sachets, or essential oil, we have expanded our offerings to include detergents, household chemicals, and personal hygiene products with significant quantities of lavender oil. I have not seen such a range of essential oil products on the market before. Additionally, we have developed a service for visitors who want to take pictures in the lavender fields, which is becoming increasingly popular each year,” the entrepreneur noted.
As the lavender season unfolds, visitors are eager to admire the blooming fields and enjoy a retreat from urban life. Families come to this serene location for inspiration and recreation.
“This year, we tried to arrive earlier because we missed the blooming season last year. It’s a beautiful place to spend a day with family, creating lasting memories. There are many beautiful spots in the Republic of Moldova, and I came here with my family to capture lovely photos. I chose delicate clothing because lavender symbolizes tenderness for me,” one visitor said.
“I like that it’s close to the city, and it’s a novel experience for me. This is my first time here, and everything looks beautiful, particularly during this season. The atmosphere is extraordinary, with fresh air and stunning nature,” another visitor said.
“If you choose the right angle, photos can turn out perfectly anywhere. Lavender inspires and rejuvenates you. I have been coming here for the second year to relax and clear my mind,” a visitor said.
Lavender blooms from June to August, depending on the climate and variety. In the Republic of Moldova, it typically reaches peak flowering in July, when the fields appear particularly vibrant.
The plant holds both ecological and practical significance, with applications in cosmetics, medicine, and aromatherapy. It attracts bees and other pollinators, helping to maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem. Furthermore, lavender is a valuable source of essential oil, commonly used in cosmetics, medicine, and aromatherapy.
