Premium Lilium bulbs planted over past 3 days in Choglamsar, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• Over 50,000 premium Lilium bulbs have been planted at Choglamsar Flower Field in Ladakh.
• This initiative aims to establish India's largest organized high-altitude floriculture park.
• The first bloom of the Lilium flowers is anticipated in the first week of September.
• Located at approximately 3,265 meters, it is set to become India's highest commercial Lilium cultivation field.
• The foundation stone for the project was laid by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on June 22, 2026.

Detailed Insights:

• The project in Choglamsar, Leh, is a pioneering initiative in Ladakh to create new livelihood opportunities through large-scale, high-altitude flower farming.
• The Choglamsar Flower Field spans 93,000 square meters along the banks of the River Sindhu.
• Scientific and technical guidance for the project is provided by the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur.
• The goal is to produce high-value Lilium flowers and buds for both domestic and international markets, commanding premium prices.
• This initiative aligns with Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah's vision of "Sahkar se Samriddhi", which focuses on strengthening cooperatives.
• Local farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and cooperatives will be trained and involved in cultivation, with the Agriculture Department facilitating the initial setup and transfer.
• Ladakh's cold climate, with temperatures ranging from minus 4°C to 4°C, is naturally suited for Lilium cultivation, and the bulbs multiply naturally after three years.
• Beyond agriculture, the project is expected to boost eco-tourism and contribute to increasing Ladakh's green cover from 0.4% to 5%.
• Another high-altitude flower field is also under development at Stakna, Leh, covering over 1.02 lakh square meters.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Floriculture: The cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for commercial, aesthetic, and landscaping purposes.
• High-altitude Floriculture: A specialized branch of floriculture practiced in elevated regions, utilizing unique climatic conditions for specific flower varieties.
• Sahkar se Samriddhi: A government vision promoting prosperity through cooperatives, aiming to enhance local employment and income generation.
• Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Small, informal associations of people who pool resources and work together to improve their socio-economic conditions.