Workers harvested bountiful marigolds at a CSIR-IIIM field station in Bonera, Pulwama, as scientists explore the potential of off-season cultivation to boost commercial floriculture and create new income opportunities for farmers in Kashmir.

The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, is researching the cultivation of marigold and other high-value ornamental crops suited to Kashmir's agro-climatic conditions.

Over the past four years, scientists at the institute's Bonera field station have evaluated several temperate flowers, including tulips, chrysanthemums, lilies, gladiolus and marigolds, to identify suitable varieties and improve cultivation practices.

Marigold is receiving particular attention because of its demand during religious festivals, weddings, social functions and other decorative purposes.

According to CSIR-IIIM, the annual economic value of marigold flowers used in Jammu and Kashmir is estimated at around ₹25 crore.

Demand for the flowers increases during festive occasions, particularly Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, when marigold garlands and flowers are widely used for decorations.

Scientists believe Kashmir's relatively cooler climate could offer an opportunity to cultivate marigold during periods when high temperatures affect production in other parts of the country.

The research focuses on identifying suitable planting schedules, evaluating varieties and developing scientific crop-management practices to make off-season cultivation commercially viable.

The institute is also examining the possibility of integrating marigold into existing agricultural and horticultural systems as an intercrop, providing farmers with an additional source of income.

CSIR-IIIM says commercial floriculture could create employment opportunities in nursery development, planting material production, flower decoration, packaging, landscaping and post-harvest management.

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The initiative aims to diversify agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir and encourage farmers to explore high-value flower cultivation as an alternative source of income.