Minister Javid Ahmad Dar inaugurates Autumn Flower Festival at SKUAST-K
SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today inaugurated the Autumn Flower Festival (Chrysanthemum Show) at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K).
Congratulating the university authorities, especially the Faculty of Floriculture, Minister Dar lauded the organization of the vibrant event that highlights Kashmir’s floral richness and artistic heritage. He said the festival not only showcases the region’s natural beauty but also seeks to attract tourists, students, and entrepreneurs to explore the immense potential of floriculture in Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the significance of the celebration, the Minister said the festival features 15 indigenous varieties and more than 80 hues of chrysanthemums, marking a major initiative to promote autumn tourism in the Valley. This, he added, complements Kashmir’s well-known spring, summer, and winter attractions.
Minister Dar emphasized that the initiative is part of the government’s broader vision to diversify tourism and generate livelihood opportunities through agriculture and allied sectors. He said the Agriculture Production Department is actively encouraging farmers to embrace floriculture as a profitable enterprise, given its rising market demand and promising export prospects.
The event was attended by MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Director Sheep Husbandry Kashmir, and other senior officers and scientists.
