Srinagar, Mar 16 ; Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday called for making the Union Territory self-reliant in tulip bulb production, emphasizing the need to reduce the recurring expenditure on imports from the Netherlands to save foreign exchange.
The Chief Minister instructed the Floriculture Department to explore and scale up indigenous propagation methods.
“The Floriculture Department has been tasked with exploring ways to propagate tulip bulbs locally. We need to build our own capacity so that more planting material is produced within J&K. This will not only save foreign exchange in the long run but also strengthen the local economy,” CM Omar told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS).
On the inauguration ceremony of Asia’s largest tulip garden officials briefed the Chief Minister about ongoing experiments aimed at enhancing the viability of local bulb production. Currently, the garden, which showcases over 1.7 million tulips across 68 varieties, relies on costly annual imports from the Netherlands.
Sources indicated that a pilot project for local bulb propagation is expected in the coming months, potentially involving collaboration with agricultural universities and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
In a move to boost tourism, CM Omar also directed the department to focus on extending the blooming period through scientific interventions like staggered planting.
“We are examining ways to ensure the flowers last longer. Through staggered planting and scientific interventions, we want to give tourists a longer window to witness this spectacle,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s focus on sustainable infrastructure upgrades at the garden, including new terraces, redesigned flower beds, and a souvenir shop, rather than grand inaugurations. He lauded the gardeners for their dedication in maintaining the garden.
Responding to queries about tourist security during the peak season, CM Omar assured that all necessary measures are in place.
“The agencies responsible for safety will ensure appropriate protocols and maintain their presence wherever visitors travel,” he said, refraining from commenting on political issues.
Notably, the tulip garden, which reopened to the public on Monday, is expected to attract a large number of domestic and international tourists in the coming weeks, providing a significant boost to the Valley’s tourism and hospitality sectors. (KNS)
