Two-day tulip festival & national symposium opens in Palampur

A two-day Tulip Festival and National Symposium on Ornamental Bulbous Flowers begins in CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bio-resource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, today. Organised in collaboration with the Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture (ISOH), the symposium aims to promote the cultivation, research and commercialisation of ornamental bulbous flowers, attracting stakeholders from across India. A Kisan Mela will also be organised to engage farmers and showcase innovative agricultural practices.

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Researchers, horticulturists, policymakers, farmers, entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders from all over will be participating in the symposium to discuss advancements in bulbous flower cultivation. The event will explore how these flowers can enhance rural livelihoods, promote agro-tourism, and contribute to the ornamental horticulture market.

The symposium will feature 109 abstract presentations and expert talks from 26 six eminent speakers representing various states. Fifteen industries, including Red Mirchi Associates (Haryana), Blumen Florals (Ladakh), Serchen Flowers (Ladakh), RTS flowers (Punjab), Shivalik Florist (Uttarakhand), Vatika Floriculture Society (Himachal Pradesh), The Tian Flower Sfurti Cluster(Himachal Pradesh), KF Bioplants, Rise N Shine, Precision Agrotech, Florance Flora, Research Aid, NHB, Subziro Farmswill, will participate; alongside 50 farmers from Bilaspur, Mandi, Shimla, Chail, Fatehgarh Sahib, Kaladungi, Leh-Kargil, fostering rich exchange of knowledge and experiences.

Four technical sessions over two days will cover key topics, including genetic improvement, production enhancements, plant protection, postharvest management, phytosanitary protocols, and value addition of bulbous crops. Each session will feature expert lectures, presentations, and interactive discussions. A dedicated session will facilitate interaction among professors, scientists, farmers, and industry representatives, encouraging innovative and sustainable practices. Awards and fellowships will also be presented during the symposium.

CSIR-IHBT, under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), established in 1983, focuses on the sustainable utilisation of Himalayan bio-resources. The institute leads in conservation, genetic enhancement, crop production, protection, postharvest management, and value addition of commercially important crops. Its Agro-technology Division specialises in floriculture and horticulture research, enhancing productivity and profitability through precision agro-technologies. The ISOH, founded in 1990, is a national non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing ornamental horticulture in India through seminars, publications, and sustainable practices. It offers training, consultancy, and honours excellence in the field.

The symposium promises a vibrant blend of science, culture, and nature, inspiring stakeholders to explore the economic and ecological potential of ornamental horticulture. Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, director, CSIR-IHBT will be chief guest while Dr YC Gupta, former dean, College of Horticulture, Dr YSP UHF, Thunag, Mandi, will be the guest of honour of the function.