Srinagar, Apr 1 (KNN)  The Department of Floriculture has taken extensive measures towards cultivation of tulips in Kashmir which is considered paradise on earth and their efforts have paid out with the largest tulip garden of Asia.

 Formerly known as Siraj Bagh, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden on the banks of world famous Dal Lake, houses more than sixty varieties of tulips, all imported from Holland.

The main purpose for the establishment of the Tulip Garden which was opened in 2008 and spread across 20 hectares of land was to prepone the tourists’ season in the valley.

Further expansion is expected this year, as more area under the Zabarwan Mountain is being utilized for expanding the Tulip garden.  This will not only boost tourism but will also help employ local youth who have acquired degrees in the concerned fields of agriculture and floriculture.

The Department of floriculture, Kashmir, should also take steps to save Tulips from rain which is common during April, to reduce damage, as the flowers are very sensitive.

The Tulip garden at present is all set to attract tourists after being given a massive facelift. Straight beds have been raised this year, with some new varieties of Tulips, including a vast range of same coloured as well as bi coloured and multicoloured Tulips.

While the Tulip garden awaits full expansion, nearly three lakh bulbs of tulips have been imported this year.

Historically, the Kashmir valley has been associated with beautiful gardens and gardening practices from the time of the Mughals, the area providing good scope for the floriculture industry.  

Flowers are masterpieces of nature, attracting people not only by fragrance and sight but also by emotion. At present flowers have developed a high commercial value and they are in demand all around the world.

Kashmir Valley with its ideal climatic conditions and soil fertility has a tremendous potential for floriculture, due to which the Floriculture Department has been able to make one of the biggest Tulip Garden of Asia in Srinagar.

Experts say, “The soil fertility is best for the growth of flowers, but it needs serious efforts from authorities to give floriculture a boom. There are a number of wet and marshy lands which are suitable for its growth”.

Experts are also of the opinion that there is enormous scope to utilize the vast portion of the marshy land such as surroundings of Aanchar Lake to make possible the cultivation of many varieties of seasonal flowers.

However, the work needs to be done in a scientific manner and management of soil preparation, sowing and harvesting should be intended to propagate floriculture as an important economic activity and hence thrust needs to be put on its commercial exploitation.  If explored fully, by giving rise to various flower farms and gardens it can boost in empowerment by engaging vast human resource.

Further, proper budget allocations should be made to promote and develop floriculture sector and modern facilities should be provided on a single platform to market flowers.

Tourists from all over the world are attracted to the charming beauty of the Tulip Garden. Even after returning from the valley, the mesmerizing beauty of the garden remains fresh in their minds.   (KNN/PIB)