Himachal wants to start lilium cultivation
By IANSSunday, September 26, 2010
SHIMLA - Himachal Pradesh would explore the possibility of cultivating lilium as a cash crop in the cold deserts of Lahaul and Spiti.
Speaking at the foundation day of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) at Palampur in Kangra district Sunday, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal asked the scientists to advise the government as to whether the cultivation of lilium in Lahaul and Spiti valley would be ecologically safe.
Dhumal said the state has got a Rs.30-crore order to supply flowers, specially roses, carnations and marigolds, for the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
Himachal Pradesh is known for growing marigolds, carnations, tulips, lilies, gladioli, chrysanthemums and roses.
Dhumal said the government would extend help to the CSIR to set up a high-altitude biology centre in the Lahaul Valley.
