Context:
• Kashmir has opened its first exclusive chrysanthemum garden at Bagh-e-Gul Dawood, adding a new attraction to the region’s horticulture-based tourism.
Key Highlights / Details:
About the Garden
• Located in Srinagar, developed as a floral tourism site
• Features a wide variety of chrysanthemum species
• Aims to boost floriculture and eco-tourism in Kashmir
Significance
• Promotes floriculture diversification in Jammu & Kashmir
• Supports livelihood generation for local flower growers
• Enhances tourism opportunities beyond traditional tulip gardens
• Adds value to J&K’s reputation as a horticulture hub
Government Involvement
• Set up under the Department of Floriculture, Gardens & Parks
• Part of efforts to develop theme-based gardens in Kashmir
• Encourages agri-tourism and rural economic development
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Chrysanthemum is a flowering plant native to East Asia
• State Tree of J&K: Chinar (Platanus orientalis)
• Important Tourism Gardens of J&K: Tulip Garden (Srinagar), Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh
• Scheme: National Floriculture Mission supports commercial flower cultivation in India
Relevant Mains Points:
• Floriculture as a source of rural income and women-led SHG development
• Boosts horticulture exports and sustainable tourism
• Way Forward:
– Expand floriculture clusters
– Link farmers to cold chain & e-markets
– Promote flower festivals and eco-tourism events