Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, on September 17 inaugurated the world’s highest-altitude twin flower fields at Choglamsar and Stakna in Leh, marking the 76th birth anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Located at an altitude of 10,600 feet, the two flower fields are described as the highest and largest flower fields in the country. Spread across 40 acres, the fields have more than 25 lakh high-value flowers, including around 24 lakh Lilium and one lakh Gladiolus.

The initiative marks a significant step towards agricultural diversification, farmer empowerment and the creation of alternative livelihood opportunities through commercial floriculture in Ladakh. The successful implementation of the project is also expected to provide a model for replicating high-altitude floriculture in other parts of the Union Territory.

The Choglamsar flower field was developed in a record two months. Plantation began on July 16, with the first blooms appearing in the first week of September. At Stakna, plantation of nearly 14 lakh Lilium began in August, with the first blooms expected towards the end of October.

The project seeks to leverage Ladakh’s unique climatic conditions and the growing national and international demand for high-value flowers to create new avenues for income generation, entrepreneurship and rural economic development. According to market rates cited for the project, Lilium fetches around Rs 60–70 per stick in wholesale markets, while retail prices are higher.

The Choglamsar flower park will function as a demonstration and model floriculture centre, where high-value flowers such as Lilium, Gladiolus, Tulips and other ornamental species will be cultivated.

Under the initiative, the Agriculture Department will develop the flower field during the first year and, at the time of bloom, transfer it to selected Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperative societies. The department will provide handholding support to the groups in marketing their produce in national and international markets.

From the following year, the cooperatives are expected to undertake commercial cultivation, harvesting and value addition of Lilium flowers themselves, creating a sustainable income avenue for local farming communities.

Local farmers are also being provided structured training in scientific floriculture, modern cultivation practices and commercial management to help establish floriculture as a viable enterprise.

Inaugurating the flower garden, the Lieutenant Governor said the initiative was aimed not merely at flower cultivation but at creating new livelihoods, skills and opportunities for the people of Ladakh.

He said the flower garden would also serve as a training and demonstration centre for farmers and youth, providing exposure to modern cultivation techniques, scientific farming practices and improved post-harvest management.

“Besides functioning as a recreational and educational space for residents and tourists, the flower fields will create an ecosystem where not only flowers, but also knowledge, skills and enterprises can grow. Floriculture is a high-value agricultural activity that can complement traditional farming, enhance farmers’ incomes and open new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship,” said L-G Saxena.

The flower garden was opened to the general public from September 18. A nominal entry fee of Rs 25 for adults and Rs 10 for children has been fixed, with the revenue to be utilised for the maintenance and upkeep of the garden.