A two-day awareness, training and seed distribution programme focusing on marigold production and crop management was inaugurated at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu on Wednesday. The event, part of the CSIR Floriculture Mission, brought together 176 farmers from various zones of Jammu district to promote scientific and commercial floriculture practices aimed at enhancing livelihoods and transforming India’s agrarian landscape.
Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, inaugurated the programme as the chief guest. He emphasised the institute’s commitment to empowering farmers through innovative technologies, optimal land utilisation, and market-driven cultivation. Highlighting the importance of diversifying crops and adopting modern techniques, Dr. Ahmed encouraged farmers to explore cash crop farming, vertical farming, and secondary processing to boost income and sustainability.
The event was graced by the presence of notable figures, including Er. Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist at CSIR-IIIM and Vikram Singh, Senior Controller of Administration. They praised the Floriculture Mission’s impact in modernising farming practices, improving incomes, and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Dr. Shahid Rasool, Nodal Scientist for the Floriculture Mission, welcomed the participants and outlined the initiative’s transformative goals. He highlighted the mission’s potential to position India as a global leader in floriculture while improving the socio-economic status of farming communities.
Tejindar Wazir, a member of the J&K State Kisan Advisory Board, commended the mission’s role in fostering prosperity through floriculture. He emphasised empowering women through skill-based training for creating value-added floral products and advocated for establishing a School of Gardening to further support the sector.
The programme included technical sessions and practical demonstrations led by Dr. Shoaib Mubashir, who provided insights into scientific cultivation, nursery production, and disease and pest management in marigolds and other floricultural crops. The event also featured an overview of mission activities by Dr. Maliqa Majid, who stressed on the verticals under the initiative.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Suphla Gupta, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-IIIM, who acknowledged the efforts of all participants and stakeholders in making the programme a success.