SRINAGAR, August 5, 2024 – In a groundbreaking initiative, Kashmir is set to become a new haven for Sikkim Orchid, particularly the exotic Cymbidium variety. This innovative horticultural venture, led by a consortium of prestigious agricultural institutions, promises to redefine Kashmir’s floriculture industry and transform its tourism landscape.
Tri-Institutional Collaboration Brings Sikkim Orchid to Kashmir
The ICAR-National Research Centre for Orchid (ICAR-NRCO), ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (ICAR-CITH), and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) joined forces to organize a pivotal three-day workshop. Held from August 1-3, 2024, under the theme “Exotic Orchid for Paradise on Earth,” the event marked a significant milestone in cross-regional agricultural collaboration.
Comprehensive Training on Sikkim Orchid
The workshop’s scope extended far beyond basic training on Sikkim Orchid:
- The Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-K addressed a special session, highlighting the institutional commitment to this floriculture initiative.
- Participants engaged in in-depth technical sessions covering:
- Kashmir’s floriculture potential
- Production technology for Cymbidium and Paphiopedilum Orchid
- Advanced propagation techniques
- Hands-on training in tissue culture
Diverse Participation in Sikkim flowers Workshop
The event drew a wide range of participants, reflecting the broad interest in cultivating Sikkim Orchid in Kashmir:
- Officers from the Floriculture Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir
- Scientists and technical staff from ICAR-CITH
- Faculty and students from SKUAST-K’s Division of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture
Living Laboratories for Sikkim Orchid
To realize the workshop’s goals, two experimental units of Orchid were established:
- 200 Cymbidium orchid plants at ICAR-CITH
- Another 200 plants at SKUAST-K
These Sikkim flowers, sourced directly from ICAR-NRCO, will serve as living laboratories. Researchers will monitor their adaptation to Kashmir’s unique climate, providing crucial data for future cultivation.
Year-Round Tourism Potential with Sikkim flowers
One of the most exciting prospects of this initiative is its potential to extend Kashmir’s tourist season. Officials envision Cymbidium Orchid blooming from May to March, creating a near year-round floral attraction and boosting the local economy.
The success of this venture hinges on continued cooperation. State government officials, ICAR-CITH scientists, and SKUAST-K faculty have pledged to work together to ensure the successful establishment of Sikkim Orchid in Kashmir.
A New Era of Floriculture in Kashmir
As these exotic Sikkim Orchid take root in their new Himalayan home, Kashmir stands on the brink of a horticultural revolution. This introduction of Sikkim’s state flower could herald a new era of biodiversity, economic opportunity, and year-round natural beauty in the region.
With meticulous planning, expert guidance, and enthusiastic local support, Kashmir’s Sikkim orchid experiment may well blossom into a model for innovative, cross-regional agricultural collaboration across India, potentially reshaping both the floriculture and tourism sectors in the valley.
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