J&K Government contemplating plan to stop tulip bulb imports from Netherlands

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, MARCH 16 (STC): Jammu and Kashmir government is embarking on a mission to get rid of costly annual imports of tulip bulbs from the Netherlands by encouraging the bulb production within Kashmir.
According to the reports, 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).
Remarkably, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today 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.
He 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 while talking to media after inaugurating the Tulip garden.

On the inauguration ceremony, the 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.
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.
Lauding the gardeners, 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.

(Straight Talk Communications)