Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Director General CSIR, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi here today inaugurated Flower Show-cum-Floritech Conclave 2026 at CSIR-IIIM. In her presidential address, Dr. Kalaiselvi said the institute’s long tradition of organizing flower shows, which dates back to 1961, reflects a rich legacy of connecting science with the community. Dr. Kalaiselvi highlighted that floriculture and apiculture are emerging as powerful drivers of rural livelihoods and economic diversification. She stressed that such region-based scientific interventions allow farmers to cultivate crops that are best suited to their terrain and market demand. Dr. Kalaiselvi interacted with farmers, appreciated the work being carried out by CSIR-IIIM Jammu and announced the continuation of the CSIR Floriculture Mission, emphasising its role in strengthening farmer livelihoods and promoting scientific innovations in the floriculture sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu said the institute is committed to strengthening the floriculture ecosystem in J&K through research, innovation and farmer outreach. During the programme, winners of the floral drawing and painting competition for school children were felicitated.

Earlier, addressing the gathering, Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR- Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, highlighted the growing importance of floriculture in creating new economic opportunities for farmers. He said that initiatives under CSIR missions have helped build an ecosystem of innovation that connects scientific research with rural communities. Dr. Yadav also emphasized the need to develop indigenous varieties of flowers and planting materials so that India can gradually reduce dependence on imports and move towards self-reliance in the sector.

The event also featured interaction between the Director General and farmers, during which several growers shared their experience. Among others present on the occasion were Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist and Head RMBD&IST Division at CSIR-IIIM (Branch Srinagar), along with several scientists, students, farmers and officials of the institute. Proceedings of the event were conducted by Manveet Kaur while the vote of thanks was delivered by Dhiraj Vyas, Senior Principal Scientist and Head, Plant Sciences and Agrotechnology.