ANANTNAG: In a significant step towards promoting high-value floriculture and strengthening the rural livelihoods, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today inaugurated Tulip Garden at MCRS Sagam, SKUAST-K, during his visit to the Centre of Excellence for Tulip and Temperate Bulb Production.
The Minister was accompanied by MLA Dooru, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, along with senior officers, scientists and officials.
During the visit, the Minister undertook a comprehensive inspection of the tulip beds and reviewed the ongoing floriculture and research activities at the Centre. A publication showcasing the Centre’s research achievements, innovations and developmental initiatives was also released, highlighting its growing role in advancing scientific floriculture in the region.
Addressing the media persons, Javid Dar lauded the proactive involvement of the local community in establishing the Tulip Garden, terming it a model of participatory development. “Though the garden is in its nascent stage, it carries immense promise for the future. With the expected increase in tourist inflow, it will catalyse economic activity, create sustainable livelihood opportunities and open new avenues for entrepreneurship in the region,” he said.
He further emphasized that the initiative would play a crucial role in reducing dependence on imported tulip bulbs, thereby promoting self-reliance and strengthening the local economy.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment towards developing Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for high-value floriculture through focused investments, policy support and institutional strengthening.
Highlighting the importance of research and innovation, the Minister called for greater integration of scientific advancements with field-level practices. He stressed the need to accelerate the dissemination of modern technologies among the farmers to enhance productivity, ensure sustainability and maximize returns.
Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Nazir Ahmad Ganai, underscored the university’s commitment to cutting-edge research and farmer-centric innovation. He stated that the Tulip Garden at Sagam represents a strategic initiative towards achieving self-sufficiency in bulb production while promoting diversification and resilience in the agriculture sector of Kashmir.
The event also featured a one-day workshop on “Potential of Tulip Bulb Production in Kashmir,” where the experts, scientists and progressive farmers engaged in detailed deliberations on crop diversification, high-density cultivation, modern technologies and sustainable development strategies. The discussions highlighted the vast potential of tulip cultivation as a viable and profitable venture for farmers in the Valley.
Among others present were senior scientists including H. R. Naik, Raihana Habib Kanth and Anamika Dey, officers, progressive farmers and members of civil society.