SRINAGAR: In a significant step towards promoting sustainable floriculture and reducing India’s dependence on tulip bulb imports, the CSIR Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, has successfully developed indigenous tulip cultivation at its Bonera Station in South Kashmir’s Pulwama. This initiative, launched under the CSIR Floriculture Mission, aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, aiming to bolster self-reliance and economic opportunities for farmers.
The tulip gardens of Kashmir, particularly in Srinagar, have long been a major attraction for tourists, drawing visitors with their vibrant floral displays. With the introduction of the Tulip Garden-cum-Experimental Field at Bonera, CSIR-IIIM is now positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a future hub for tulip bulb production. The initiative began in 2022 with 10,000 tulip bulbs and has, within two years, expanded to over one lakh bulbs, covering more than 12 kanals this season.
During a media interaction at the Bonera Field Station, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, highlighted the strategic importance of this programme. He stated that the research centre currently houses eight tulip varieties under scientific study to develop indigenous bulb production, establish agro-technological protocols, and assess morphological characteristics. He emphasized that domestically grown tulip bulbs would reduce India’s reliance on imports, create new economic opportunities for farmers, and contribute to the overall growth of the floriculture sector.
The CSIR Floriculture Mission is focused on multiple key areas, including the generation of quality planting material, urban floriculture expansion, post-harvest processing, value addition, and the integration of floriculture with apiculture. By leveraging scientific advancements in the sector, CSIR-IIIM aims to develop self-sufficiency in tulip production while enhancing the economic potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s farming communities.
The Bonera Tulip Garden was opened to the public, attracting thousands of visitors from across the valley. The overwhelming response signals a promising future for indigenous tulip cultivation, with the potential to make India a self-sufficient producer rather than an import-dependent consumer. The initiative, envisioned under the leadership of Union Minister of State for Science and Technology (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh, stands as a testament to India’s progress in research-driven floriculture and rural economic development
