The Basantotsav-2016 flower exhibition-cum-competition will be inaugurated by Governor Krishan Kant Paul at the Raj Bhawan on Saturday morning. The floral exhibition cum competition will be inaugurated at 11 AM following which it will remain open to the general public from midday to 6 PM on Saturday and from 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday. The governor said this addressing the media a day ahead of the event inauguration.
An image of the Amesh (seabuck thorn) has been chosen for the commemorative postage stamp and first day cover to be issued India Post on the occasion. The seabuck thorn (Amesh) which grows in the cold mountainous regions of Uttarakhand has medicinal properties and multipule uses due to which it has been chosen for the first day cover. The first day cover is intended to raise public awareness about the specialities of the seabuck thorn so as to encourage the public to derive commercial benefit from the plant which will help increase the income of local residents.
The governor said that at the time of State formation, Uttarakhand had 150 hectare area being used for cultivation of flowers which has now increased to 1,400 hectare area. The increase in area under flower cultivation shows that floriculture is a profitable business in the State. The governor further said that cultivation of aromatic plants like Bulgarian rose can be exploited commercially to derive considerable benefit. Similarly, cultivation of expensive flowers like tulip should also be focused upon.
The blossoming of tulips planted experimentally in the Raj Bhawan premise has raised hopes of considerable benefit from the cultivation of tulips.
Paul informed that the horticulture and food processing department has been organising the Basantotsav at Raj Bhawan since 2003 with new aspects being incorporated into this exhibition cum competition every year. In order to make the event more attractive, an attempt is being made to expand the postal ticket display started last year by India Post. Cultural presentations will also be held in the evenings to show a glimpse of the State’s cultural wealth.
Additionl secretary of horticulture, Teekam Singh Panwar also addressed the media on the possibilities and progress achieved in the sphere of floriculture in the State.
Horticulture director Dr BS Negi informed that various categories have been incorporated in the flower competition this year too. Detailed information will also be made available to visitors at departmental and other stalls featuring various aspects including departmental works and latest technical developments. As in the past years, an art competition and programmes will also be organised for school children, specially abled, mentally affected children and street children visiting the show. A food court has also been facilitated at the venue of the floral exhibition which will also include various activities. Special effort has been made to ensure participation of commercial flower cultivators, government departments, non governmental organisations and those cultivating flowers in remote areas.