Tulips bloom in Palampur, institute keen to cash in on high demand

The Tulip Garden set up adjacent to the Pathankot-Mandi National Highway in the CSIR Complex, 2 km from Palampur, has been thrown open to the public. The CSIR-IHBT has added more varieties of flowers this year. On the first day, a large number of people thronged the garden.

Talking to the media, CSIR Director Sudesh Kumar Yadav said the tulips were expected to survive for about a month only. “The flower, which has its origin in Persia (Iran), was introduced in Europe in 17th century, where different varieties of tulips were developed. Holland is the largest producer of tulips,” Yadav added.

“Tulip is a tuberous cut flower that has huge international and domestic demand. It ranks third in the world’s top cut flower trade. The institute has been planting the flowers on its premises for last three years. This year, 55,000 tulip bulbs of different varieties in vibrant colours have been planted in the garden. The flowers have bloomed early this time because of warmer climatic conditions,” he said.

Last year, over 80,000 visitors from across the country had visited this exquisite garden. This time, far more visitors are expected to visit the first tulip garden of the state.

CSIR-IHBT has started trial for tulip flower and bulb production in the Lahaul Valley for its commercial cultivation. Several farmers from cooperative societies such as Yaani Mahadev Floriculture Society, Madagran; Pattan Valley Floriculture Society Limited, Shansha; and Tinan White Mountain Floriculture Society Limited, Jangla, were trained in tulips cultivation. They are now engaged in cultivation for bulb and flower production and are reaping benefits.

The institute is offering an opportunity for income generation to entrepreneurs and farmers engaged in tulip cultivation, besides making India self-reliant in tulip bulb production to meet domestic demand.