Bhopal: Flowers are as intrinsic as logistics and security to Simhastha 2028, and the Madhya Pradesh government is not losing sight of this. After pushing for big-ticket infrastructure projects and world-class amenities for the expected 30-35 crore devotees at the mega pilgrimage event, two separate plans have now been drawn up to ramp up the supply of flowers to Ujjain.
Centre of Excellence for Floriculture
With bedding flowering plants critical to ensuring that fresh, bright, and colourful petals are in abundance during Simhastha, the state has proposed a centre of excellence for floriculture at a cost of Rs 15 crore over 19 acres of land, in assistance with the central government. This centre, planned at Panchkoshi Marg, 16 km from Ujjain, would be the first unit of its kind in Madhya Pradesh. It will facilitate research in flower cultivation and also impart training to farmers in the district to increase the production of petals while enhancing their quality.
Cluster-Based Development of Marigold and Rose
The second plan involves a cluster-based development of marigold and rose cultivation in the district that will host the grand spectacle. According to sources, marigold cultivation in Ujjain is proposed to be carried out over 1,600 hectares. A separate plan has been drawn up to scale up cultivation of these vibrant yellow flowers, commonly associated with floral offerings to deities, over 4,200 hectares across 25 clusters in 240 villages, considering the anticipated high demand during Simhastha. Similarly, rose cultivation in the district, currently spread across 68 hectares, is proposed to be scaled up to over 250 hectares in 50 villages, across six clusters, as the pilgrimage approaches.
Chief Minister Reviews Arrangements
Chairing a key meeting to review arrangements for Simhastha, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said flower cultivation was being promoted and expanded in a big way in his native district, in anticipation of the grand global convergence of pilgrims. He stated that a proposal for the floriculture centre has already been sent to the central government and coordination is underway. According to officials, the centre will involve expertise from both the central and state governments, as well as the private sector.
The cluster-based development plan will focus on marigold and rose, as these two varieties are offered the most in temples and are typically used in religious ceremonies. The state has already fleshed out an ambitious mobility plan, involving major investments in roads, highways, dedicated bypasses, and last-mile connectivity, along with new bridges and overbridges to ease congestion during the event.
Focus on Local Supply
While stressing the huge scope of raising flower cultivation in Ujjain for Simhastha 2028, officials said the focus was on meeting the needs of visitors locally, in a bid to reduce the supply chain of perishable goods, especially flowers, from other cities. This approach aims to ensure a steady and fresh supply of flowers for the millions of devotees expected to attend the event.
