Two-day long flower exhibition cum competition–Vasantotsav-2015 concluded at the Raj Bhawan on Sunday. On the concluding day governor Dr KK Paul in the presence of Chief Minister Harish Rawat and Cabinet Minister Harak Singh Rawat distributed prizes among the 120 winners of different categories including flower competition, Rangoli, painting competition and photo exhibition. This year’s running trophy has gone to Indian Military Academy (IMA).
In his address Paul said that the festival was organised successfully and its credit goes to State Government’s policy and consistent efforts of flower growers. He expressed hope that in coming days this festival will create competitive atmosphere among the flower growers with Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh as well. Chief minister Rawat expressed gratitude for these words and said that Uttarakhand is also known as Devbhoomi so State Government is promoting flower growers and by exploiting it commercially Uttarakhand could develop into a flower state in coming days.
Paul suggested taking the help of these flower growers to maintain roundabouts, public places, Park, Railway station and bus stand as well. By promoting flower cultivation at public places the masses can be motivated to grow flowers in their backyard. It is very encouraging that despite inimical weather large number of people gathered here. It shows that people are really concern with flower. Appreciating the effort of organisers, Paul said that horticulture and culture department work very hard to make this successful and even participants especially children deserve round of applause for their active participation. He also wished people for upcoming festival of colours- Holi in advance.
In his address chief minister Rawat said that following the governor’s wishes now onward department would organize such festival for three days in place of two days. Even state would organise Governors Trophy competition, which will be organized among flowers growers competition in different cities of the state. Even state would make flowers calendar and it would carry the name of winners of the competition so that large number of people would grow flowers in their courtyard or wherever it possible. As state is having mixture of plains and hills so we can grow flower for export for round the years. To provide market to our flower grower we are in touch with Delhi and Mumbai Marketing committee and definitely it would help state economy as well.
To promote flower production commercially we are organising training programme with the help of Pune and Bengaluru. State Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Harak singh Rawat said that currently 1000 hectares is under tea-cultivation and it has become possible due to consistent efforts of horticulture department. The State is giving stiff challenge to the Himachal Pradesh in silk production and making all efforts to expand horticulture opportunity in the state.
A cultural programme was organized by the culture department in Raj Bhawan auditorium. Secretary to governor, AK Dhondiyal, Secretary incharge Dr Nidhi Pandey, additional secretary horticulture Teekam Singh Panwar, Director Horticulture IS Khan and other public representatives were also present on the occasion