OCT 21:The serene campus of SKUAST-Kashmir came alive with colors and fragrance as the Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative & Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, inaugurated the much-awaited Autumn Flower Festival (Chrysanthemum Show) in Srinagar.
The festival, an annual highlight for floriculture enthusiasts and nature lovers, showcased an impressive variety of chrysanthemums and other autumnal blooms, reflecting the region’s rich horticultural diversity. Organized by SKUAST-K in collaboration with the Department of Floriculture, the event attracted students, researchers, local growers, and tourists eager to witness Kashmir’s vibrant floral heritage.
In his inaugural address, Minister Javid Ahmad Dar underscored the growing significance of floriculture as an emerging sector contributing to employment generation, entrepreneurship, and tourism. He said that festivals like these not only promote aesthetic and environmental awareness but also open new avenues for livelihood opportunities in both rural and urban areas of Kashmir.
The Minister appreciated the efforts of SKUAST-K scientists, faculty, and floriculture experts for nurturing innovation in flower cultivation and creating market linkages for local growers. He also emphasized integrating floriculture with agri-tourism and eco-tourism, especially during the autumn season when Kashmir transforms into a palette of natural colors.
“Events like the Autumn Flower Festival celebrate our agricultural heritage while encouraging youth to explore floriculture as a viable profession,” Dar stated. He added that the government is committed to supporting the sector through modern technology, skill development programs, and cooperative marketing platforms.
Visitors at the festival enjoyed a blend of academic sessions, live demonstrations, and exhibitions of rare flower species, all designed to inspire greater participation in the field of floriculture.
The event concluded with a pledge to make Kashmir a national hub for floriculture and autumn tourism, combining tradition, innovation, and natural beauty.
