The Floriculture Department in Jammu and Kashmir has started selling flower seedlings and saplings at subsidised rates to its residents, flower growers and enthusiasts, in the valley.
With the arrival of spring season, the department started sowing different varieties, at least 50 of them, of flower seedlings and saplings in poly houses.
An official of Floriculture Department, Gulam Nabi Malla, said the seeds provided by the department are indigenously produced.
"It is very beneficial for the people. In the market it is sold at higher prices as the sellers need to earn money, but this has been initiated by the government and what we have is indigenous, we grow them, we don't import it from outside. Here the seed is available at a subsidised rate as compared to the market," Malla said.
There are various varieties available like pansy, rose and other cut flowers for the residents here who enjoy growing flowers in their gardens. Residents also prefer to buy from government rather than from a market as they provide favourable quality and prices.
"This area belongs to horticulture department. What we get here is original and the rate is also very favourable for us, they don't give us the chance to complain as the quality of the seeds is so good. I think there is a subsidy of at least 50 to 60 percent as compared to the market," said a flower grower, Mohammad Maqbool.
A large number of people from across the valley are thronging to department's store to buy their favourite flowers at subsidised rates.
The valley is endowed with abundant natural resources that also facilitate the cultivation of a wide variety of flowers. The Floriculture Department of the state is also involved in the business of import and export of flowers which has a huge demand outside India.