PULWAMA, March 29: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, has inaugurated its CSIR Tulip Fest–2026 at its Field Station Bonera in Pulwama, marking a significant step towards agricultural diversification and indigenous floricultural development in Jammu and Kashmir.
The festival, which opened to the public on Sunday, showcases advancements made under the flagship CSIR Floriculture Mission, an initiative by the Ministry of Science and Technology aimed at bolstering the commercial floriculture sector. The Bonera Field Station, historically recognized for its research in medicinal and aromatic crops, has dedicated a significant vertical of this mission to producing high-quality, indigenous germplasm for commercial tulip cultivars.
The Chenab Times has learned that over the past five years, the institute has achieved considerable success in indigenizing tulip bulb production. Scientists and researchers have developed comprehensive production and management protocols, establishing scalable models for multiplying local tulip bulbs. These efforts leverage the favorable agro-climatic conditions prevalent in the Kashmir Valley.
Currently, the Bonera Field Station is displaying approximately 1.3 lakh blooming tulips, attracting a large number of visitors. Attendees include students from various educational institutions, social media influencers, environmentalists, and local residents from across the Valley, all drawn to the vibrant display. This initiative builds upon a successful pilot experiment conducted at the station four years prior, with preliminary research yielding promising results for tulip bulb germination and multiplication, paving the way for large-scale local production.
The cultivation of tulips in Kashmir has traditionally relied on imported bulbs. This breakthrough by CSIR-IIIM signifies a potential shift towards sustainable, locally driven tulip production, which could reduce import dependency and enhance economic opportunities for local farmers. The CSIR Floriculture Mission, launched in 2020, aims to increase farmers’ incomes and foster an agritech startup ecosystem through the cultivation of diverse floricultural crops and the development of associated value-added products.
During the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, emphasized the institute’s commitment to supplying farmers with high-quality planting material. He highlighted how these efforts are crucial for strengthening economic prospects and transforming the region’s agrarian landscape. Dr. Ahmed also acknowledged the scientific interventions at the station for playing a pivotal role in import substitution of tulip bulbs, noting that the mission is being implemented under the guidance of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology.
Dr. Ahmed further remarked on the immense potential of Jammu and Kashmir as a biodiversity hotspot for cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants. He expressed his vision for the Bonera Field Station to evolve into a center of excellence for developing region-specific agricultural and horticultural technologies. He also indicated plans for the station to host a National Tulip Festival in the future to promote research outcomes.
During his tour of the station’s various sectors, Dr. Ahmed reviewed ongoing research trials focused on agrotechnology development for medicinal and aromatic plants, floriculture, and agri-horticultural crops. He underscored the importance of value addition for locally developed crop commodities, strengthening market linkages, and enhancing technology outreach.
Dr. Shahid Rasool, Principal Scientist and In-charge of the Field Station Bonera, commended the team for their work on tulip bulb indigenization. He detailed that the program’s design incorporates quality bulb production, disease management protocols, efficient storage practices, and standardized field-scale cultivation techniques.
The Tulip Festival has garnered significant appreciation from visitors, with many expressing that this initiative by CSIR-IIIM Jammu has successfully placed Pulwama district on the tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk