The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu organised workshop on “Empowering Farmers through Quality Seed Distribution and Technology Dissemination in Floriculture and Apiculture-based Bioenterprises” at the Industrial Biotechnology Park (IBTP), Ghatti, Kathua. The programme was organised under the CSIR Floriculture Mission, a flagship initiative of Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology, aimed at promoting high value floriculture based enterprises and enhancing farmers’ income through science led interventions. The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation of farmers from Samba and Kathua districts. The programme was designed to provide comprehensive exposure to scientific technologies, best practices and market oriented approaches in commercial floriculture, apiculture and allied value-added enterprises, thereby enabling farmers to diversify their income sources and adopt sustainable agri-business models.

Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu, graced the occasion as the chief guest and delivered the presidential address. He underscored the immense potential of commercial floriculture and beekeeping as profitable and highly remunerative income generating activities, particularly for small and marginal farmers in rural and peri-urban regions. He emphasised that floriculture and apiculture are promising farm sectors, employment intensive and capable of providing quick economic returns when supported by quality planting material, scientific crop management practices and efficient market linkages. Dr Ahmed highlighted that availability of quality seeds and planting material, adoption of standardised production protocols and integration with value chains and markets are critical drivers for developing sustainable agri-enterprises.

Dr Shahid Rasool, Nodal Scientist of the Mission, provided a detailed overview of the mission’s objectives. He highlighted the commercial significance of high value cut flowers such as gladiolus, lilium, carnation and gerbera, which have strong domestic demand and emerging export potential. Prominent floriculturist and member J&K Kisan Advisory Board, Tejinder Singh, shared his practical experiences and market insights with the participants.

The participating farmers were imparted capacity on scientific crop production, insect disease management and post harvest handling of floricultural crops. Technical presentations and demonstrations were given on commercial cultivation of marigold, lilium, gladiolus, gerbera and other ornamental crops. Technical sessions covered scientific beekeeping practices, including hive management, seasonal management of colonies, disease and pest control and methods for ensuring quality honey production, as well as the importance of maintaining quality standards for market acceptance.