As the autumn hues transform Kashmir into a breathtaking tapestry of colors, we had the pleasure of visiting the Autumn Flower Festival at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K). Guided by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, we explored the university’s Division of Floriculture & Landscape Architecture at Shalimar, Srinagar.
This festival showcases the beauty and potential of Kashmir’s floriculture industry, bringing together various institutions and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Indian Delphic Council, Directorate of Agriculture Kashmir, ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, and many more. Each organization contributes to fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability in Kashmir’s agricultural landscape, aligning with the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) goals.
Highlights of the Autumn Flower Festival
A Stunning Display of Floriculture 🌺
The Division of Floriculture at SKUAST-K presented an array of seasonal flowers and plants, showcasing how floriculture enhances both the beauty and biodiversity of the valley. Each bloom was a testament to the dedication of the faculty and students at SKUAST-K in preserving and promoting Kashmir’s unique flora.Learning and Innovation Platforms 🌱
With representatives from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Area Marketing Postharvest Management Platform, and other organizations, the event offered insights into export opportunities, sustainable post-harvest management, and market potential for Kashmir’s floricultural products.Empowering Farmers and the Local Economy 💪
The festival aligned with efforts to make agriculture more sustainable and profitable, empowering local farmers through improved farming practices, organic agriculture promotion by Jaivik Bhai, and robust market linkages. This approach resonates with national goals for agricultural development, underscored by the support of leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and other esteemed dignitaries.A Celebration of Community and Culture 🎉
Partners like the Delphic Council of J&K and media houses such as The Rising Kashmir, Greater Kashmir, and Jammu Links News amplified the cultural essence of the festival, connecting people through art, agriculture, and a shared vision for Kashmir’s flourishing future.
This visit to SKUAST-K’s Autumn Flower Festival was not only a feast for the senses but also a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within Kashmir’s agriculture and floriculture sectors. With initiatives like these, the community moves closer to an organic, self-sustained agricultural model that honors both tradition and innovation.
Let’s keep this vibrant vision alive and celebrate the journey towards an organic and prosperous Kashmir. 🌻
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