Institute assessing varieties suited to Kashmir’s climate; initiative aims to tap off-season demand and diversify agriculture
Srinagar, Nov 4 : The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, is exploring the feasibility of seasonal marigold cultivation in Kashmir to diversify agricultural activities and create additional income opportunities for farmers.
The initiative aims to identify marigold varieties suited to the region’s climatic conditions and assess their potential integration into existing cropping patterns, particularly to tap demand during periods when the availability of seasonal flowers is limited.
Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu and CSIR-NBRI Lucknow, has emphasised the need to introduce promising crop varieties and promote scientific cultivation practices to enhance farmers’ income, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen the agricultural economy.
Dr Shahid Rasool, Scientist-in-Charge at CSIR-IIIM Field Station Bonera in Pulwama and nodal scientist for the institute’s Ladakh initiatives, said the institute was examining the potential of meeting the demand for marigolds in Jammu and Kashmir as well as other parts of the country.
Marigolds are widely used during religious ceremonies and wedding functions, generating significant demand at different times of the year. Kashmir’s climatic conditions could provide an opportunity to cultivate the flowers during off-season periods and supply markets within and outside the Union Territory, he said.
Rasool said research was underway to identify and develop varieties that could withstand the region’s weather conditions.
The institute also plans to train farmers in cultivation practices, explore new areas for floriculture and examine how flower cultivation could be integrated into existing agricultural systems.
The initiative is aimed at developing floriculture as a supplementary source of income for farming households rather than replacing traditional crops.
However, agronomists have stressed the need for detailed feasibility studies to compare the economic viability of marigold cultivation with other seasonal crops and intercrops, including lavender, saffron, mustard, garlic, onion and cumin.
They have also pointed to the potential of intercropping, particularly in high-value apple orchards, as a means of diversifying farmers’ income, provided soil health, crop compatibility and farm management practices are scientifically assessed.
Seasonal crop diversification has emerged as an important consideration in Kashmir, where farmers remain heavily dependent on traditional horticulture and agriculture for their livelihoods.
The proposed marigold initiative is part of CSIR-IIIM’s efforts to translate scientific research into field-level interventions and explore alternative livelihood opportunities for the region’s farming community.
