Srinagar, Jan 5: In a significant boost to the region’s floriculture sector, Prof. Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Vice Chancellor,Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), visited the Mountain Crop Research Station (MCRS) Sagam to inspect the ongoing trials at the Centre of Excellence on Tulip Bulb Multiplication.
Underscoring the university's commitment to the "Lab to Land" initiative, the Vice Chancellor personally participated in the plantation drive, planting tulip bulbs alongside the scientific staff. His hands-on involvement served as a strong morale booster for the researchers working on the critical project of indigenous bulb production.
Prof. Ganai was accompanied by the Director Research (Prof H R Naik, SKUAST-K, Head of the Department of Floriculture & Landscaping (Prof. Qazi Altaf ), I/C MCRS Prof M.A Mantoo and PI Prof. Imtiyaz Nazki.
Vice Chancellor was briefed on the technical advancements made at the station. Prof Nazki revealed that at least 30 distinct varieties of tulips are being evaluated in this phase to identify the most resilient and commercially viable cultivars for the valley. Standardizing protocols for such a diverse range of varieties is a critical step toward reducing the region's heavy reliance on imported bulbs from the Netherlands.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. N. A Ganie(VC-SKUAST-K) lauded the efforts of Prof. Mantoo and Prof Altaf and the associated scientists for developing the site in short span of time.He emphasized that the Centre of Excellence at Sagam is pivotal for making Kashmir self-reliant, potentially transforming the valley from a net importer into a hub for flower bulb production.
The visit concluded with an interaction with the field staff, where the Vice Chancellor appreciated Dr Qazi Altaf and Prof Mantoo & team for remarkable achievement and assured full administrative support to fast-track the infrastructure development required for the project's expansion
