The Srinagar Tulip Garden shot into fame only recently. Situated in mesmerizing natural setting in the slopes of Zabarvan-Mahadev mountain range overlooking the plaid waters of Dal Lake, the Tulip Garden has become a choice destination of tourists coming to the valley. In the initial stage, emphasis was less on its commercialization and more on tourist attraction. But as the Tulip Garden grew into fame and fascination, its commercial aspect also came into focus. It needs to be mentioned that the world famous tulip garden exists in Holland and that is a country which has good income from sale of flowers. Holland flowers are marketed all over Europe and the US and Australia. Dutch floriculturists are making scientific treatment of these flowers right from the time of plantation to the time of their packing and trans-shipment. In our country, tulips are grows in Himachal Pradesh besides Kashmir.
Those at the State Department of Floriculture that floated the idea of creating a tulip garden in the foothill of most picturesque site in Kashmir had hit upon a very imaginative and appreciable plan. Within a few years, the Tulip Garden came up in its full glory and grace and became an endearing spot for the tourists and naturalists.
However, it is a tricky game to preserve and sustain the tulip industry along scientific lines in the State. In mid-hills, tulip flowers during February-April and in high hills during April-June. Bulbs are harvested when leaves start turning yellow or 40-45 days after flowering. Old bulb scales and roots have to be removed. They are air-dried in partial shade. Putting them in wooden trays in single or double layers they are marketed. However, for quality flower production by succeeding crop, bulbs have to be stored at 7-90C for 6-8 weeks during September-October for proper development of flower primordia, since tulips are very sensitive to fluctuating temperature which otherwise leads to flower abortion.
Experts felt that a cold store for tulip bulbs was unavoidable if the purpose was to have good tulip harvest. The Floriculture Department drew a plan for establishing cold store at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.95 crore way back in 2009. Establishment of this store would have avoided expenditure of Rs.1.63 on purchase of tulip bulbs.
In a report of the CAG tabled in both houses of the Legislative Assembly, it is found that the story of establishing cold store for tulip bulbs has gone through a very tortuous path with so many obstructions created or not removed. Despite moving the matter way back in 2009 and despite the fact that a sum of 3.95 crore was sanctioned for the project, the cold store is not anywhere in sight till date. The Director Horticulture has withdrawn the money and had deposited it in the current account of the department but according to the CAG the money remains blocked in the bank and the loss of 1.63 crore on purchase of tulip bulbs continues to be incurred by the department.
This is a bizarre story of bad planning, bad direction and total lethargy on the part of concerned authorities. It is difficult to point the accusing finger towards any one person or agency because the entire plan had to go through so many hands. Even at one stage it was found that there was no expertise in the country of creating cold store for this specific agricultural product. In these circumstances, it is important that the department of Floriculture pushes the matter with the authorities as a priority case. The matter has to be pursued expeditiously. The Tulip Garden of Srinagar has attained fame and it has the potential of becoming a source of earning and boost to tourism in the State.
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