Kashmir's First Chrysanthemum Garden
As the vibrant greens of summer fade, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) is preparing for a colorful transformation with the Valley’s first chrysanthemum garden set to bloom this autumn.
Tourism and Economic Impact
- The chrysanthemum garden aims to revitalize Kashmir's waning tourist season, similar to how Srinagar's tulip gardens transformed spring tourism.
- By extending the tourist calendar into winter, the garden seeks to maintain the Valley's allure from spring to autumn.
Chrysanthemum Garden and Festival
- The garden, with over 80,000 chrysanthemum plants, will bloom from mid-October to late November.
- A Chrysanthemum Festival will be organized to raise awareness about its potential, involving schools, stakeholders, and policymakers.
- The tagline 'From Gul-e-Lala to Gul-e-Dawood' highlights the transition from tulip to chrysanthemum seasons.
Variety and Collaboration
- The garden features more than 60 varieties and 20 colors, promising to brighten the autumn landscape.
- Polyhouses could potentially extend the flower's lifespan until mid-December.
Student Involvement and Community Engagement
- Postgraduate and undergraduate students from different parts of India are instrumental in the garden's creation, under faculty supervision.
- Plans to embellish Srinagar's city center, particularly Lal Chowk, with chrysanthemums in collaboration with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC).
Chrysanthemums: A Global Perspective
The chrysanthemum, a native plant of East Asia and Europe and Japan’s national flower, is a perennial herbaceous plant that blooms in autumn, with SKUAST's garden expected to display nearly three million blooms.
This initiative is poised to enrich Kashmir's floral tourism, ensuring the Valley remains a vibrant destination, transitioning beautifully from Gul-e-Lala (tulips) to Gul-e-Dawood (chrysanthemums).
