Omar Abdullah Spotlights the Global Market Potential of J&K's Floral Industry with Enhanced Rail Connectivity
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Jammu, December 12 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of J&K, Omar Abdullah, held a crucial meeting on Thursday with the Department of Floriculture, Parks, and Gardens to evaluate its performance and explore ways to boost the sector's capabilities, as revealed in an official statement.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister underscored the tremendous potential within the floriculture industry, particularly with the imminent railway connectivity linking the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country.
He stressed the importance of utilizing this connectivity to promote and sell Kashmir's flowers not just across India but also on a global scale.
“We need to involve forward-thinking growers and other key players to fully harness the sector’s capabilities,” asserted the Chief Minister.
He also instructed the department to plant tulips along the Airport Road to improve visual appeal and to initiate advertising campaigns aimed at attracting more visitors to Srinagar’s renowned Tulip Garden.
Previously, the Commissioner Secretary presented an in-depth report on the department’s operations, showcasing accomplishments and current projects.
Among the significant projects discussed were the Tulip Show 2024, featuring a record planting of 1.7 million tulips from 72 different varieties, which drew in approximately 4.46 lakh tourists in March 2024.
The meeting also covered major advancements in the floriculture sector, such as the creation of ornamental cherry tree gardens (Sakura) and the establishment of a Tulip Garden in Sanasar.
Attention was also given to the establishment of peony and rose gardens at Pahalgam, along with progress toward nominating six historical Mughal Gardens as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Discussions also included several ongoing and future projects aimed at modernizing and enhancing the region’s gardens and parks.
Projects mentioned included the renovation of Bagh-e-Bahu Garden and the development of the Bour Camp Garden in Jammu.
Further initiatives discussed were the establishment of chrysanthemum plantations in Udhampur, improvements to Badamwari, and the creation of the Dara Shikoh Garden.
Plans for theme gardens at Gulmarg, the development of floriculture nurseries, and the establishment of a model flower center in Jammu were also explored.
Additionally, proposals for an amphitheater and beautification projects at Bagh-e-Bahu were discussed.
The Chief Minister reiterated the necessity for the modernization and mechanization of garden maintenance to boost efficiency, optimize resources, and generate revenue. He urged the department to concentrate on initiatives that enhance the tourism prospects of Jammu and Kashmir while safeguarding the region’s rich natural legacy.
Furthermore, he reiterated the call for modernizing and mechanizing garden upkeep, optimizing resources, and generating income to elevate tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, while maintaining its natural heritage.
