Srinagar, November 27: Chief Secretary, Shri Atal Dulloo, today inaugurated a “Hot House” at the Floriculture Development Scheme in Lalmandi, marking a significant step towards the enhancement of the region’s floriculture and medicinal plant cultivation. This initiative is part of the broader efforts under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) aimed at boosting agricultural diversification and promoting sustainable farming practices across Jammu & Kashmir.
During his visit, the Chief Secretary toured various sections of the Floriculture Development Scheme, where he reviewed ongoing projects and interacted with concerned officers to assess the progress of the program. The inauguration of the “Hot House” is expected to provide a controlled environment conducive to the cultivation of a variety of floricultural species, thereby fostering growth in the sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Atal Dulloo emphasized the significant potential of the commercial cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants in Jammu & Kashmir. He pointed out that this initiative forms one of the key components of the 29 projects under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), aimed at diversifying the region’s agricultural output and generating employment opportunities. “The promotion of medicinal and aromatic plants holds immense promise, not only for enhancing the region’s agricultural profile but also for offering sustainable livelihoods to the local population,” the Chief Secretary remarked.
Shri Dulloo further urged the officers and stakeholders to create more awareness among the educated youth about the potential of this emerging sector. With a growing domestic and international market for medicinal plants, he highlighted that this sector could serve as a major source of employment, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas of the region.
As part of the event, the Chief Secretary also distributed PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) certificates to several beneficiaries, recognizing their efforts in adopting organic farming practices and contributing to the state’s agricultural growth. The PGS certification helps farmers gain recognition for their organic produce, enhancing market access and consumer confidence.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Secretary was briefed by the Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal, and renowned florist Dr. Anjum Rashid. The officials provided an overview of the ongoing initiatives under the Floriculture Development Scheme and shared updates on the progress made under various components of the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), Central Sponsored Schemes* (CSS), and other related programs.
The visit was seen as a positive step towards reinforcing the government’s commitment to agriculture diversification, sustainable practices, and employment generation in Jammu & Kashmir. The Chief Secretary’s continued focus on boosting the medicinal plant sector is expected to open new avenues for economic growth and social welfare in the region.