‘CSIR empowers farmers, growers, promotes floriculture sector in UT’

Srinagar, Nov 23: CSIR IIIM Jammu, under the CSIR Floriculture Mission, conducted a two-day workshop on “Production and Scientific Crop Management of Commercial Cut Flowers” at CSIR (Branch) Srinagar. The event, held under the patronage of Dr. Zabeer Ahmad, Director CSIR IIIM, and Er. Abdul Rahim, Head CSIR IIIM Branch Srinagar, saw the participation of 70 individuals, including farmers, floritech entrepreneurs, florist traders, and Horticulture graduates from SKUAST Kashmir.
The workshop aimed to enhance knowledge and promote scientific practices in the cultivation of commercial cut flowers. Dr. Shahid Rasool, Nodal Scientist CSIR Floriculture Mission, Dr. Nasheeman Ashraf, Principal Scientist, CSIR IIIM, Dr. Imtiyaz T. Nazki, Professor and Head, Division of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, SKUAST-K, and other experts were present at the workshop.
Dr. Khursheed Ahmad Bhat, Principal Scientist, CSIR-IIIM, highlighted the institute’s role in farmer-oriented programs and initiatives in the Union Territory. Dr. Shahid Rasool provided an overview of the CSIR Floriculture Mission and its objective to promote the floriculture sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Imtiyaz Nazki delivered a lecture on the scope and opportunities in commercial floriculture in the region. He discussed various upcoming schemes and initiatives aimed at the promotion and expansion of the floriculture sector for sustainable growth. The presentation covered diverse aspects of commercial floriculture, including nursery and seed production, cut flowers, dry flowers, landscaping, turfing, and value addition.
Tejinder Singh commended the efforts of the CSIR Floriculture Mission team in empowering farmers, growers, and promoting the floriculture sector in the UT. He highlighted the visible impact of the mission’s initiatives in every district, emphasizing the economic returns achieved by farmers.
Technical presentations on the scientific production of commercially important crops like Gerbera, Lilium, Tulip, and Gladiolus were delivered by experts, including Dr. Markanday Singh from IARI and representatives from KF Biotech and Natural Blooms, Pune.
The workshop included an exposure visit to the Experimental Field of the Division of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, providing on-farm training and demonstrations for crop production under protected conditions. Overall, the event aimed to equip participants with knowledge and skills to contribute to the growth of the floriculture sector in the region.