LEH: Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday inaugurated what is being described as the world’s highest-altitude twin flower fields at Choglamsar and Stakna in Leh, developed to promote floriculture, agricultural diversification and rural livelihoods in Ladakh.
The flower fields, located at an altitude of around 10,600 feet, have been developed over 40 acres and feature more than 25 lakh flowers, including 24 lakh Lilium and one lakh Gladiolus plants. The project was inaugurated on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birth anniversary.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at creating alternative income opportunities for farmers through commercial floriculture while leveraging Ladakh’s unique climatic conditions and growing market demand for high-value flowers.
The Choglamsar flower field was developed in about two months, with plantation beginning on July 16 and the first blooms appearing in early September. Plantation at the Stakna site began in August, with flowering expected by the end of October.
According to officials, the project will serve as a demonstration and training centre for floriculture, focusing on flowers such as Lilium, Gladiolus and Tulips. Farmers will be trained in scientific cultivation methods, post-harvest management and commercial floriculture practices.
Under the initiative, the Agriculture Department will initially manage the flower fields before transferring them to selected self-help groups (SHGs) and cooperative societies. The department will also assist them in marketing the flowers in domestic and international markets.
Speaking at the inauguration, Saxena said the project was intended to create new livelihood opportunities, promote entrepreneurship and provide farmers and youth with exposure to modern agricultural practices.
He said floriculture could complement traditional farming in Ladakh and contribute to higher incomes, employment generation and local economic growth.
The flower garden will be opened to the public from September 18. An entry fee of ₹25 for adults and ₹10 for children has been fixed, with the revenue to be utilised for maintenance and upkeep of the facility.
