VoL Desk, July 06: Baseej-e-Zarat wa Baghbani (BZB) and Rangul Organic Producer Company Limited (ROPCL) organized a distribution program today for Lilium bulbs and Gladiolus corms, which was sponsored by the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur. The event took place at TFC, Biamathang, Kargil, with the aim of encouraging farmers to engage in floriculture.

The program saw the presence of notable figures including CEC Kargil Feroz Ahmad Khan, DC Kargil Santosh Sukhadave, Director of Cooperatives Moses Kunzang, CHO Ali Reza, CAO Kacho Mohd Ali Khan, Scientist KVK Dr. Akhone Mehdi, Deputy Registrar of Cooperatives Dr. Zakir Hussain, as well as farmers from various villages.

In 2021, Lilium and Gladiolus flowers were introduced on a trial basis in Kargil, which yielded exceptional results. Following the successful trial, commercial cultivation was initiated, and the public responded favorably.

* Click to Follow Voice of Ladakh on WhatsApp *

These flowers have proven to be well-suited to the climate of Ladakh, with each spike growing to a length of over one meter, representing ‘A’ grade quality. Additionally, each plant produces around 15 buds, which is considered remarkable compared to other regions in India such as Delhi, Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. Therefore, the climate in Ladakh is deemed suitable for Lilium and Gladiolus cultivation.

However, as these crops are relatively new to the region, farmers are facing various challenges, including a lack of field experience, cold storage facilities, proper packaging, transportation, and marketing opportunities. Vice President Mohd Sadiq of Basij-e-Zarat highlighted these issues and requested intervention from the authorities. CEC Feroz Khan and DC Santosh Sukhadave assured the farmers that necessary steps would be taken to address these concerns.

Furthermore, the organizations are also conducting experiments with other cash crops in floriculture, such as tulips and lavender.