If government agencies have their way, tribal pockets in Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district will soon produce enough gladiolus and tulip flowers to meet the state's demand. The weather and soil conditions in Chintapalle and surrounding areas are suitable for the exotic flowers.
The Regional Agriculture Research Station (RARS) in Chintapalle has successfully grown gladiolus flowers at its premises. Assistant director of RARS, A Appala Swamy, said that gladiolus and tulip flowers can now be grown in the high altitude and tribal zone of ASR district. The weather conditions here are suitable for the production of the exotic flowers, he added.
"Some varieties of gladiolus are produced in RARS during winter. The cool climate in several parts of ASR district will be suitable for the cultivation of gladiolus between winter and summer," horticulturists opined.
It may be recalled that ASR district collector AS Dinesh Kumar recently launched the Araku Bouquet program during Araku Utsav 'Chali'. He said that the region is suitable for floriculture, with exotic flowers, and added that it would be a remunerative option for tribes. The collector asserted that soon they will introduce Araku Bouquet in the market by providing training to youngsters in bouquet making.
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