STATE TIMES NEW
JAMMU: The two-day Flower Show-cum-Floritech Conclave 2026 concluded at the campus of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) on Canal Road here on Sunday, with experts emphasising the growing role of floriculture in research, livelihood generation and sustainable agriculture. Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests O.P. Sharma Vidyarathi attended the valedictory function as chief guest. A large number of participants, including farmers, students, scientists, garden enthusiasts and members of the public, took part in the event and showcased a wide range of floral exhibits and innovative horticulture models.
Addressing the gathering, Vidyarathi said the tradition of organising the flower show in Jammu dates back to 1961 and has played a significant role in promoting awareness about floriculture and horticulture among citizens. He noted that flowers are not only symbols of beauty but also hold immense economic value in sectors such as cosmetics, essential oils and medicinal research.
Highlighting the region’s biodiversity, he said the Himalayan belt is rich in plant diversity, offering vast opportunities for research, conservation and economic development.
He added that platforms like the flower show help bring together researchers, students, farmers and nature lovers, encouraging innovation and knowledge exchange in floriculture and allied fields. Vidyarathi also appreciated the efforts of scientists and institutions working to promote horticulture and plant-based research, saying such initiatives can open new livelihood avenues for farmers and entrepreneurs.
Director of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Dr. Zabeer Ahmed said the Flower Show and Floritech Conclave has emerged as an important platform connecting scientists, farmers, students and industry stakeholders.
He said the institute functions under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, one of India’s largest scientific research networks operating under the Ministry of Science and Technology, with dozens of laboratories working across diverse scientific fields.
Ahmed said the core objective of scientific research is to ensure that its benefits reach society, particularly farmers and rural communities.
He highlighted that initiatives such as the CSIR Floriculture Mission are aimed at strengthening linkages between scientists and farmers by introducing improved cultivation techniques and high-yield flower varieties.
According to him, thousands of farmers across several states have already been connected through the mission, with many adopting scientific cultivation practices in crops such as marigold and ornamental flowers.
These initiatives, he said, are helping generate additional income opportunities and strengthening the floriculture sector.
Ahmed also noted that scientists at the institute are exploring the medicinal and pharmaceutical potential of flowers and plants by identifying bioactive molecules that could contribute to future drug development.
Earlier, Senior Principal Scientist and Head of the Plant Sciences and Agrotechnology Division, Dr. Dhiraj Vyas, welcomed the guests and participants, stating that the objective of the conclave is to promote floriculture technologies, innovations and public participation in gardening and flower cultivation. He said the event brought together experts, researchers, students and gardening enthusiasts from across the region. Various competitions and exhibitions were organised as part of the programme, including floral painting for children, garden and lawn competitions, bonsai displays, artistic floral arrangements and innovative floriculture models.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from educational institutions, defence establishments, government departments and local citizens.
Dr. Shahid Rasool, Principal Scientist at the institute, presented the vote of thanks and acknowledged the efforts of organisers, participants, scientists and supporting staff for making the event successful.
The programme concluded with prize distribution to winners of different categories of the flower show and competitions.