CSIR-IHBT Brings Color and Cash through Carnation Farming to Himachali Farmers

A wave of color and new opportunity is sweeping through the hills of Himachal Pradesh, thanks to a hands-on initiative from the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) in Palampur.

As part of the CSIR Floriculture Mission, the institute has just given a major boost to over 130 local farmers by distributing more than 1.66 lakh (166,000) carnation cuttings. These aren’t just plants; they are seeds of change, covering 1.5 hectares of land across the districts of Solan, Mandi, Bilaspur, Shimla, and Hamirpur.

This support is about more than just flowers—it’s about cultivating sustainable livelihoods. The initiative is set to generate significant additional income and open new doors for people in rural communities.

But the help doesn’t stop at the cuttings. CSIR-IHBT is ensuring farmers have the knowledge to succeed. Experts are rolling up their sleeves and visiting fields to provide hands-on training. They work directly with farmers, troubleshooting challenges and offering practical advice on everything from pest control and nutrient use to modern cultivation techniques. This means farmers are empowered not just with high-quality, disease-free plants, but with the skills to grow them successfully.

For the farmers, this addresses a critical need. Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, highlighted that access to reliable, quality planting material has always been a major hurdle. He expressed great confidence that with this continued backbone of support, carnation farming in the region is poised for impressive growth.

The farmers who received the cuttings are buzzing with optimism. They see this initiative as a powerful new push for floriculture in the hills, one that will brighten the landscape, boost their incomes, and create vibrant new opportunities for the next generation.