The Uttar Pradesh government will establish the state's first 'Centre of Excellence' for flowers in Ayodhya. The project will be located in the Pirkhauli region, spanning three hectares of land at a cost of Rs 2 crore.
Objective of the Centre
The centre aims to serve as a hub for providing technical assistance to farmers growing flowers and ensure a continuous supply of high-quality flowers to the Shri Ram temple. The temple requires a substantial quantity of flowers daily for its rituals and worship ceremonies. Through this centre, high-quality flowers will become available locally, reducing dependence on imports.
Training and Modern Practices
Anoop Kumar Chaturvedi, Deputy Director of Horticulture, stated that the centre will promote modern floriculture practices. Farmers will receive comprehensive training covering advanced flower varieties, scientific cultivation methods, pest management, irrigation systems, and marketing strategies. The centre will feature cultivation of several rare and popular flower species, including high-quality varieties of Dutch roses and marigolds.
Construction and Expansion Plans
Construction work for the centre is set to commence shortly. Following this model, similar centres will also be established in Mathura and Varanasi, creating a new network for flower production across the state. The project will boost awareness regarding floriculture among local farmers. Currently, many farmers rely on traditional crops; however, through this centre, they will be able to adopt floriculture and generate better incomes.
Infrastructure and Facilities
The horticulture department is spearheading the development of the project. The centre will be equipped with modern facilities, including greenhouses, drip irrigation systems, solar power infrastructure, and a tissue culture laboratory. These facilities will enable farmers to adopt advanced techniques and improve flower quality and yield.
In addition to the Ayodhya centre, the government plans to establish similar centres in Mathura and Varanasi, expanding the network of flower production across Uttar Pradesh. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the floriculture sector in the state, providing farmers with new opportunities for income generation and contributing to the local economy.
