Saturday, 04 March 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Governor lieutenant general (retd) Gurmit Singh and chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated Vasantotsav 2023 at the Raj Bhawan here on Friday. The governor also released a short film on the Nakshatra Vatika at Raj Bhawan and a special postal cover by India Post on Timru. The Horticulture department launched the toll free number 1800 3135685 for redressal of the problems of farmers on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the governor said that the three-day Vasantotsav has elicited a different type of enthusiasm from the public this year. There were 200 commercial establishments/self help groups which participated in the competition last year while this year the number has increased to 535. He said that Uttarakhand has the potential to develop into a flower State in the future. The future will be prosperous and joyous because of flowers, he said. Appreciating the CM and Agriculture minister Ganesh Joshi, he said that a revolution in this sector is expected due to the schemes launched by the government and its efforts to ensure participation of all in the same. Singh appealed all to participate in the Vasantotsav flower exhibition.
Greeting all at the start of Vasantotsav, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that this event also gives the message of connecting with nature while also encouraging people to protect nature. Such types of events also present an opportunity for people who have done good work in agriculture, horticulture and related spheres to exhibit their products. Along with encouragement to farmers, Vasantotsav also provides a platform for local products, said the CM.
According to officials there were 698 participants in the cut flower (traditional) competition, 191 in cut flower (non traditional) category, 22 in potted plants (private nursery), 42 in lose flower category, 17 in potted plants (non flower), 13 in cactus and succulent category, 27 in hanging pot category, 22 in on the spot photography, 17 in law category, eight in fresh petal Rangoli and 946 in painting competition this year. Among the new categories started this year, there were 12 participants in rooftop vegetable cultivation, 23 in bonsai, seven in terrarium and 33 in honey category. A total of 2,076 participants competed in 16 categories and 62 sub categories. In addition to this, a total of 413 stalls have been put up in the Raj Bhawan premises including 18 stalls by various governmental institutions displaying their activities and 395 stalls of commercial enterprises/self help groups.
