Srinagar, 21-Mar; To promote tourism industry and at the same time making people aware about the Horticulture/Gardening “Spring Blossom Festival 2022’ was today inaugurated and thrown open for public today by the Department of Horticulture at Centre of Excellence (CoE) Zawoora, Srinagar. The festival was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Pandurang K. Pole (IAS), Divisional Commissioner Kashmir. Dr. Hina Bhat Vice Chairperson J&K KVIB also participated in the festival as the guest of honour. The festival is the first step toward Horti-Tourism which is among the various initiatives taken by the UT administration.A large number of visitors attended the festival including youth, women folk, and farmers. Festival was also attended by entrepreneurs, Self Help Groups, FPOs, and many progressive orchardists. The main highlight of the festival was the spring blossom of various fruits like Cherry, Almond, Apricot, Peach etc. Festival also included exhibition of local and exotic fruits varieties, an exhibition of high-density plantation technology and latest Horticultural Machinery, post-harvest products, the exhibition of latest varieties of fruit plants etc.Speaking on the occasion Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, appreciated the department for organizing such a wonderful festival and hoped that the department will continue to work with same zeal and zest for the upliftment of the farming community. He further added that the UT administration will also cooperate with the department in promoting Horti-Tourism in UT.Dr. Hina Bhat also appreciated the Departmental initiative and opined that the more and more people should visit such festivals and department should continue its efforts in promoting the Horti-Tourism at UT and National level.Director General Horticulture Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (JKAS) on the occasion highlighted the importance of Horticulture Tourism. He further added that the horticulture industry has a lot of scope in promoting tourism in the UT. He further stressed on the need of strengthening linkages between the tourism and horticulture. He added that said such festivals will also help in disseminating latest horticulture technology among the masses and will encourage them to adopt it. He further said the department will continue its efforts in bringing the Horti-Tourism in limelight and in future more farms and nurseries will be thrown open for public.(CNS)
