Himachal flowers to spread fragrance in Commonwealth Games

Shimla: Flowers from Himachal Pradesh will spread its fragrance during the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi as the state has got bulk orders to supply flowers, namelt roses, carnations and marigolds, during the event.

Central PWD, Delhi has already placed orders worth Rs.30 crore with the state for supplying flowers during the Games.

Himachal is known for growing marigolds, carnations, tulips, lilies, gladioli, chrysanthemums and roses. Approximately 681 hectares of land is under flower cultivation and 2,800 farmers are involved in floriculture. In 2009-10 the state conducted business worth Rs.41.8 crore in flowers.

Many pockets in Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Mandi, Kullu, Bilaspur and Chamba districts have made a name for themselves in the flower business.

The Churah valley in Chamba district has made its name in the cultivation of carnations of various colours. The carnation grown in this area is always in high demand in the country.

Horticulture department director Gurdev Singh said most of the farmers are cultivating exotic rose varieties as their demand would be high during the mega event.

"The farmers are also getting orders to provide flowerpots and loose flowers, mainly marigold, for decorations at various stadiums and other venues," he was quoted in the media.

Rose and marigold grown in the state are giving a tough competition to those grown in Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand.