Anantnag, March 29, 2026 : In a major push towards high-value floriculture and rural economic transformation, Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Sunday inaugurated a Tulip Garden at MCRS Sagam, under SKUAST-K.
The inauguration took place during his visit to the Centre of Excellence for Tulip and Temperate Bulb Production, where he was joined by MLA Dooru Ghulam Ahmad Mir, along with senior scientists and officials.
Model For Rural Transformation
Inspecting the tulip beds and ongoing research, the Minister praised the active participation of the local community, calling the initiative a model of participatory development. He emphasized that although the garden is in its early stage, it holds immense potential to:
- Boost tourism inflow
- Generate sustainable livelihoods
- Promote local entrepreneurship
Towards Self-Reliance In Floriculture
Javid Dar highlighted that the project will help reduce dependence on imported tulip bulbs, paving the way for self-sufficiency and a stronger local economy. He reiterated the government’s vision to develop Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for high-value floriculture through targeted investments and policy support.
Focus On Research & Innovation
Calling for deeper integration of science with farming practices, the Minister stressed the need to:
- Promote modern cultivation techniques
- Enhance productivity and sustainability
- Ensure better returns for farmers
Vice Chancellor Nazir Ahmad Ganai underlined the university’s commitment to innovation and farmer-centric research. He described the Tulip Garden as a strategic step toward crop diversification and resilience in Kashmir’s agriculture sector.
Expert Deliberations On Tulip Potential
The event also featured a workshop on “Potential of Tulip Bulb Production in Kashmir”, where experts and progressive farmers discussed:
- High-density cultivation
- Advanced technologies
- Sustainable floriculture practices
The discussions highlighted tulip cultivation as a profitable and scalable opportunity for farmers in the Valley.
With initiatives like the Sagam Tulip Garden, Jammu and Kashmir is steadily emerging as a promising destination for floriculture-driven growth, blending agriculture, tourism, and rural development.
