“Jammu & Kashmir’s floriculture industry will experience a sea-change with the newly commissioned rail link from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. “Chief Minister Omar Abdullah explains the enormous potential that this new rail connectivity will bring with it, especially into the floriculture industry. Along with connecting this region to all of India, the new infrastructure development opens up avenues to market Kashmiri flowers at the national level as well as globally.
Kashmir to Kanyakumari Rail Link: the game-changer for floriculture
The much-awaited Kanyakumari to Kashmir rail link, which is expected to be completed next month, promises to be a boom for the otherwise struggling floriculture sector in the region. “This will be the final lap for major developments along this flank. This connectivity offers the ideal platform for floriculture and related activities as it enables new markets for Kashmir’s world-famous flowers,” Chief Minister Abdullah believes.
The CM also requested the floriculture department to take advantage of this rail link and transport Kashmir’s beautiful flowers to every nook and corner of India and even abroad. As transportation cost is decreasing and logistics is improving, distribution of flowers is bound to become much more efficient. This would open doorways for growers to reach more people.
Focus on Engaging Progressive Growers
CM Abdullah, while presiding over a meeting reviewing the functioning of the floriculture, parks, and gardens department, appealed to all stakeholders to tap into the immense opportunities this new rail connectivity would provide. He said that proper engagement with progressive growers and other industry players is necessary for making the floriculture sector reach its true potential.
Abdullah particularly emphasized that there was a need for increased flower production with superior quality to meet national as well as international standards. It would make flowers of Kashmir something that’s most precious and sought after, not only in the region but also worldwide.
Enhancing Beauty and Tourism:
In another attempt to promote tourism and the flower cultivation sector further, Chief Minister Abdullah had directed the floriculture department to plant tulips along the airport road. This will enhance the beauty of Srinagar city and the city would attract more tourists to itself, especially to the famous Tulip Garden, a popular monument of the state.
He also suggests that the campaign for an advertisement should be started, highlighting the intrinsic beauty of the Tulip Garden, and thus promote it as one of the most renowned attractions. Such attempts would not only popularize the floriculture sector but also contribute to strengthening the tourism sector, which is one of the most important sectors for the economy of J&K.
Government’s Effort at Operational Rationalization
In addition to the floriculture sector, he also led the review meeting with the Information Department on improvement measures to enhance efficiency and outreach. Addressing the occasion, Abdullah sounded a note of urgency, saying that clearances for film shooting permissions should reach the filmmakers without delay and seamlessly.
He had demanded that permission be facilitated through a streamlined, single-window portal, thereby doing away with the delaying process.
It is part of the larger strategy, where the government of J&K has sought to enhance the image of the state and attract investments from the film industry, thereby further leveraging it for tourism and related industries in J&K.
Social Media and Digital Platforms
The rise of social media is becoming increasingly important, and CM Abdullah called on the government to become increasingly present in digital media. Targeted ads and campaigns would help reach a larger audience, he said. Such an increased digital presence will not only promote J&K’s floriculture but also attract tourism to the state, support local trade and commerce, and the richness of local culture will shine in the media.
Enhancement of Media Outreach and Credentialing of Journalists
Another important discussion here was the accreditation procedure of journalists in the region. Abdullah instructed the department to reopen all rejected applications, report discrepancies to applicants and grant an opportunity to clear errors. The process would be made fast and transparent, thereby paving a better media relation and strengthening the flow of information.
Conclusion: The Bright Future of Floriculture in J&K
With this rail link completed and efforts being made by the government to make the operations more organized, the floriculture sector in Jammu and Kashmir is poised for a complete transformation. The thrust by the Chief Minister on infusing capital into infrastructure, involving all stakeholders, and beautification will help the industry grow and open new economic opportunities. All these developments, and the efforts to spur tourism while attempting to streamline government processes, look bright for Jammu and Kashmir not just in floriculture but in many sectors that will contribute to its prosperity.
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Also read : Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link: A New Era of Connectivity for Kashmir with Final Track Complete