Celebrate the Beauty of Bulbous Flowers at the Tulip Festival and Symposium
The CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) in Palampur, in collaboration with the Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture (ISOH), is excited to host a Tulip Festival & National Symposium on Ornamental Bulbous Flowers on February 18-19, 2025. This vibrant event aims to promote the cultivation, research, and commercialization of ornamental bulbous flowers, drawing stakeholders from all over India.
In addition to the symposium, a Kisan Mela will be organized to engage farmers and showcase innovative agricultural practices. This event will bring together researchers, horticulturists, policymakers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to discuss advancements in bulbous flower cultivation. The focus will be on how these flowers can enhance rural livelihoods, promote agro-tourism, and contribute to the ornamental horticulture market.
The symposium will feature 109 abstract presentations and expert talks from 26 eminent speakers representing various states across India. Participants will include 15 industries such as Red Mirchi Associates (Haryana), Blumen Florals (Ladakh), Serchen Flowers (Ladakh), RTS Flowers (Pb), Shivalik Florist (Uttarakhand), Vatika Floriculture Society (HP), The Tian Flower Sfurti Cluster (HP), KF Bioplants, Rise N Shine, Precision Agrotech, Florance Flora, Research Aid, NHB, and Subziro Farms. Additionally, 50 farmers from regions like Bilaspur (HP), Mandi (HP), Shimla (HP), Chail (HP), Fatehgarh Sahib (Pb), Kaladungi (UK), and Leh-Kargil (Ladakh) will participate, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge and experiences.
Over two days, four technical sessions will cover key topics such as genetic improvement, production enhancements, plant protection, postharvest management, phytosanitary protocols, and value addition of bulbous crops. Each session will feature expert lectures, presentations, and interactive discussions. A dedicated session will facilitate interaction among professors, scientists, farmers, and industry representatives, encouraging innovative and sustainable practices. Awards and fellowships will also be presented during the symposium.
CSIR-IHBT, established in 1983 under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), focuses on the sustainable utilization of Himalayan bioresources. The institute excels in conservation, genetic enhancement, crop production, protection, postharvest management, and value addition of commercially important crops. Its Agrotechnology Division specializes in floriculture and horticulture research, enhancing productivity and profitability through precision agro-technologies. The ISOH, founded in 1990, is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing ornamental horticulture in India through seminars, publications, and sustainable practices. It offers training, consultancy, and honors excellence in the field.
The symposium promises a vibrant blend of science, culture, and nature, inspiring stakeholders to explore the economic and ecological potential of ornamental horticulture. Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, will be the Chief Guest, while Dr. Y C Gupta, Former Dean of the College of Horticulture, Dr. YSP UHF, Thunag, Mandi, HP, will be the Guest of Honour.
