Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today called for making the commercial floriculture sector more remunerative and employment generative.He directed the Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Floriculture, Gardens and Parks Department for submission of a comprehensive proposal for promotion of commercial floriculture within a period of one month.The Lt Governor passed these directions during the release of the Coffee Table Book of Floriculture, Gardens and Parks Department titled “J&K in Bloom” here at Raj Bhavan, Srinagar.Sh. Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Floriculture, Gardens and Parks Department was present on the occasion.
Underlining the importance of effective implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes, the Lt Governor directed to take up the matter with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in connection with the establishment of Hitech Poly Carbonated Green Houses for their suitability in the region during winter months. He directed the Department to provide handholding to those engaged in the sector and ensure that the benefits under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes must reach to every beneficiary.He laid special emphasis on training and exposure visits to progressive States/UTs to keep the officers/field functionaries abreast with latest interventions and technologies in commercial floriculture.On the issue of marketing of flowers, the Lt Governor called for exploring modalities for effective and profitable marketing of flowers and flower products within and outside J&K.
The Lt Governor observed that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has a glorious heritage, owing to its unique geo-climatic setting and has been endowed with unmatched natural beauty. The department needs to constantly improve its functioning and put in dedicated efforts to further strengthen the network of gardens and parks and upgrade them throughout the J&K, which will ultimately attract more tourists, making J&K one of the prime tourist destinations across the globe.While enquiring about the future course of action of the department, the Lt Governor was appraised about the establishment of Flowering Cherry Theme Garden (SAKURA) on the analogy of Japan in the foothills of Zabarwan along the periphery of Tulip Garden which will serve as an added tourist attraction.Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Floriculture, Gardens and Parks Department briefed the Lt Governor about the latest developments with regard to the listing of six Mughal Gardens in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage sites and subsequent conservation and restoration efforts of the department.Highlighting the importance of Tulip Garden as major USP for the attraction of tourists, the Lt Governor was also briefed about the worldwide acknowledgment of Tulip Garden, Srinagar by World Tulip Summit Society, who adjudged the garden as 2nd and 4th Best Tulip Destination in 2015 and 2017 respectively.Pertinently, the Coffee Table Book highlights the role of the department in the promotion of garden tourism and commercial floriculture. It also showcases the ornamental floral wealth of J&K.