Developed under the CSIR-Floriculture Mission, the mesmerising Tulip garden at CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, was opened for the public on 02 February 2024 at its premises by Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur.

Tulips are tuberous cut flowers that have huge international and domestic demand. It ranks third in the world’s top cut flower trade. Under the mission, the institute has been planting these beautiful flowers on its premises for the last two years. The garden is also the first tulip garden in the state.

50,000 tulip bulbs of 6 varieties of various vibrant colours have been planted in the garden this year. After its opening, the garden is expected to attract many visitors from within and outside the state, promoting scientific tourism. Last year, over 70,000 visitors from across the country visited this exquisite tulip garden. This time, a far higher number of visitors is anticipated. On the opening day, under the Jigyasa programme, more than 200 students and 12 teachers from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bhanala (HP) visited the garden.

However, CSIR-IHBT also started experimental trials on flower and bulb production of tulips in the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh for commercial cultivation. To begin with, several farmers from cooperative societies such as Yaani Mahadev Floriculture Society, Madagran; Pattan Valley Floriculture Society Limited, Shansha; and Tinan White Mountain Floriculture Society Limited, Jangla, were trained and empowered to cultivate tulips. They are now engaged in tulip cultivation for bulb and flower production and are reaping benefits.

The institute is also making a significant endeavour to offer new opportunities for attractive income generation to entrepreneurs and farmers engaged in cultivating these flowers and make India self-reliant in tulip bulb production to meet the country’s domestic demand.