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Srinagar, May 9 (UNI) To explore the vast potential of floriculture in the state, Jammu and Kashmir government has launched a first joint venture with a reputed Dutch company to promote it on commercial lines, an official spokesman said.

He said minister for Agriculture and cooperatives, Abdul Aziz Zargar today launched state's first of its kind joint venture with a reputed Dutch Company VWS (VOSS pe WAARD Sijm) to promote floriculture on commercial lines at Model Floriculture centre, Nuner near here.

About 5 lakh Lilium bulbs consting 30,000 euros (about Rs 17 lakh Indian currency) have been imported from Holland on fifty-fifty share bases between the state government and the Dutch Company for the purpose.

State government has also purchased three imported machines costing Rs 14 lakhs from Holland for mechanised sowing and harvesting of the Lilium bulbs.

The bulbs after multiplication at the floriculture centre would be supplied to the farmers for its further propagation and commercial exploitation, as Kashmir is the only place in India where Lilium buds can be cultivated owing to its suitable agro-climatic conditions.

Financial Commissioner, Agricultural Production Department T Phonsung, Secreraty Agriculture Neem Akhtar, Dutch Consultant Jhon Brase, Director, Agriculture Kashmir Ghulam Hyder Bhat, Director Horticulture, Dr G N Qasba and other officers were also present on the occasion.

Floriculture experts informed that India at present imports Lilium buds from Holland at a cost of Rs 20 per bulb while as bulbs produced in the Kashmir can be exported at only Rs 10 per bud against estimated investment cost of Rs 6 per bud.

Diversification in agriculture under joint venture partnership between state and the Dutch Company could thus enable farmers to earn good dividends besides saving foreign exchange.

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