STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Flower Show-cum-Floritech Conclave 2026 was inaugurated at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine by Nallathamby Kalaiselvi, Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India and Director General of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. The event highlighted the transformative role of floriculture, scientific innovation and farmer-oriented technologies in strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable agriculture. In her presidential address, Dr. Kalaiselvi said that the institute’s tradition of organizing flower shows since 1961 reflects a strong legacy of connecting science with society. She emphasized that flowers are not only symbols of beauty but also play an important ecological role by supporting pollinators such as bees, which are essential for biodiversity and agricultural productivity. She noted that floriculture and apiculture are emerging as key drivers of rural economic diversification and sustainable livelihoods. Dr. Kalaiselvi highlighted that CSIR has developed region-specific floriculture technologies considering climate, soil conditions and local traditions, enabling farmers to cultivate crops suited to their terrain and market demand. She also announced the continuation of the CSIR Floriculture Mission, citing its positive impact on farmer incomes and strong demand from both scientists and growers.
She further suggested strengthening the floriculture value chain by promoting value addition from temple flowers, which can be converted into incense sticks, essential oils and other products. Such initiatives, she said, have already generated employment opportunities for women in several parts of the country. Dr. Kalaiselvi appreciated the achievements of Zabeer Ahmed for expanding floriculture initiatives in the region and connecting thousands of farmers with scientific interventions. She also encouraged the institute to develop indigenous varieties suited to the Himalayan region and integrate floriculture with medicinal and aromatic plant research. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ahmed reiterated the institute’s commitment to strengthening the floriculture ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir through research, innovation and farmer outreach programmes. He noted that Jammu’s favourable agro-climatic conditions offer immense potential for floriculture expansion. Earlier, Sudesh Kumar Yadav highlighted the growing role of floriculture in creating new economic opportunities for farmers. He explained that technologies developed under CSIR missions are helping farmers diversify into high-value crops. Dr. Yadav also emphasized the development of indigenous flower varieties to reduce import dependence and strengthen self-reliance. The event included interaction between the Director General and farmers who shared their experiences of improved incomes through CSIR initiatives.
Among those present was Abdul Rahim along with scientists, students, farmers and officials of the institute. The programme proceedings were conducted by Manveet Kaur, while the vote of thanks was presented by Dhiraj Vyas. Winners of the floral drawing and painting competition for school children and farmers associated with floriculture initiatives were also felicitated during the event.