Agriculture Department Jammu organises Buyer-Seller Meet for Flower Growers

JAMMU: The Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Jammu today organized the Buyer-Seller Meet 2024-25 for flower growers under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) at Baba Jitto, Kisan Kendra Talab Tillo. The event aimed to foster a robust marketplace for floriculture, connecting buyers, sellers, and flower growers, while promoting commercial floriculture as part of the broader agricultural development initiative.

Mission Director HADP/JKCIP, Rahul Yadav, the chief guest for the event, inaugurated the Buyer-Seller Meet and officially commenced the program with the lighting of the lamp. The program was presided over by Director Agriculture Jammu S. Arvinder Singh Reen. In his inaugural address, Mission Director Rahul Yadav highlighted the key projects under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) aimed at boosting floriculture in Jammu and Kashmir.

Listing the project initiatives, he mentioned Project No. 4: Strengthening Agri-Marketing System in UT J&K, Project No. 5: Promotion of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants on a Commercial Basis, and Project No. 14: Promotion of Commercial Floriculture. The MD emphasized the crucial role of marketing and branding for the success of commercial floriculture, noting that effective marketing strategies and strong branding would enhance the value of floriculture products, open new markets for farmers and increase their income. He further stressed that these initiatives are designed to improve agricultural productivity.

Rahul Yadav also took the opportunity to engage with the gathering, reiterating the commitment to strengthening the floriculture sector under HADP, and providing vital insights on its role in Jammu and Kashmir's agricultural transformation. The Mission Director noted the presence of buyers from other states, highlighting the growing interest in Jammu's floriculture products. He stressed the need for extending proper hand holding to flower growers and emphasized the importance of developing a reliable buyer chain for flower growers, ensuring that they have a consistent and profitable market for their produce.

Director Agriculture Jammu S. A.S Reen shared his thoughts on the importance of floriculture for the agricultural development in the region. He discussed the motive of area expansion of commercial floriculture under HADP in the Jammu region. He highlighted the key provisions  in the Holistic Agriculture Development programme, including polyhouses, polycarbonate structures, cold storage units, pack houses, and refrigerated vans—all essential infrastructure that will support the growth of the floriculture sector. These facilities are designed to help flower growers extend the shelf life of their products, improve quality, and enhance their marketability. In addition, Director Agriculture A.S Reen emphasized the potential for flower seedling nurseries raised within polyhouses as a commercial business opportunity. By growing high-quality seedlings, farmers can sell them year-round, creating a sustainable and profitable enterprise in the floriculture industry.

Dr. Punit Chowdhary, Chief Scientist and Head of KVK Jammu, highlighted the importance of scientific advancements and innovation in floriculture and shared his perspectives on the future of the sector. He encouraged farmers to adopt modern techniques for better yield and quality. Earlier, Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu Vinod Kumar Kundal delivered the welcome address, highlighting the key objectives of the event and the importance of fostering connections within the floriculture industry.

The Buyer Seller Meet also featured an interactive session where buyers, sellers, and flower growers engaged in fruitful discussions. This session allowed for the exchange of ideas, feedback, and concerns, and facilitated the establishment of vital connections between stakeholders in the floriculture supply chain. A technical session was conducted by resource persons and experts, who responded to farmers' queries and offered detailed guidance on improving production techniques, marketing strategies, and the sustainable growth of the floriculture sector.

Among the distinguished guests/resource persons/experts present were Alok Pandotra, Deputy Director Training, Department of Agriculture Jammu, Bhavishya Devgan, CEO, Salutem Ride Gear Apparels Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, Dr. Anil Bhat, Professor, SKUAST Jammu, S. Tajinder Singh, Progressive Farmer and Kisan Board Member, Dr. Sourab Sangral, Area Marketing Officer, Jammu and others.