Srinagar, Feb 28 (KNS): The Cherry Theme Garden in Srinagar on the pattern of Japanese Sakura is all set to become a reality as all the modalities are being finalised in this regard.
This was revealed during a virtual meeting of the officers of Floriculture Department Kashmir with the Japanese authorities and Ministry of External Affairs Government of India, which facilitated the meet.
Prof A K Chawla Advisor (Japan) East Asia Division MEA mediated the meeting. During the meeting various issues were discussed regarding the project like procurement of planting material from Japan and technical guidance.
Cherry Theme Garden is a 10 crore project, an extension plan for Tulip Garden to make it more attractive. The project has been facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs.
While speaking on the ocassion, Commissioner Secretary Floriculture Skeikh Fayaz Ahmad said that they will require 2500 cherry trees in the first instance and have identified certain varieties that will suit the place.
He said that they will be preferably exporting plants in a phased manner to ascertain the behaviour of the plants and later go for expansion.
He also informed in the meeting that a 3-member team of officers will visit Japan to get a first hand experience of the plants and will make sure the best plant material is exported for the Cherry Theme Garden in Srinagar.
He added that Jammu and Kashmir has huge potential for floriculture activities with modern farming technologies as game changer for J&K’s economy.
President Sakai International Interchange Association, Tadashi Nishiyama (Japanese Sakura Expert) suggested that the government of Jammu and Kashmir should send them variety wise total number of plant material required.
He also assured to provide all possible technical help in this regard. (KNS)