Carnations bring blooming prosperity

The CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, has taken a significant step towards transforming floriculture in Himachal Pradesh under the CSIR Floriculture Mission.

In the past week, the institute distributed over 1.66 lakh carnation cuttings to farmers across Solan, Mandi, Bilaspur, Shimla and Hamirpur. Covering about 1.5 hectares of land, the initiative directly benefits more than 130 farmers, promising additional income and sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas.

Alongside planting material, CSIR-IHBT is providing hands-on training and technical guidance. Experts regularly visit fields to engage with farmers, address challenges and offer solutions for improved crop management, pest control, nutrient use and modern protected cultivation practices. This ensures farmers not only receive disease-free, high-yielding plants, but also acquire skills to boost productivity and flower quality.

Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT, said the initiative addresses a key challenge — access to reliable planting material — and expressed confidence in the growth of carnation farming in the state. Farmers have welcomed the support with enthusiasm, seeing it as a catalyst for higher incomes and greater opportunities for rural youth.