Ludhiana: In a breakthrough for sub-tropical horticulture, thousands of tulips are currently painting the grounds of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in vibrant shades of scarlet and gold, proving the exotic blooms can thrive far from the cool climates of Europe or the Himalayas.The university’s floriculture department has flowered 4,000 tulips successfully this season, marking a significant milestone in an experimental programme that began in 2024. Researchers have narrowed down eight imported Dutch varieties to two “climate-hardy” winners — the red Var Apeldoorn and the yellow Var Strong Gold — which have shown remarkable adaptability to the heat of the Indian plains in Punjab.From Experiment to Commercial ProspectWhile the project began on a small scale two years ago, the doubling of the crop this year signals a shift toward assessing the tulip’s commercial viability as a high-end cash crop for local farmers. Premium cut-stem tulips currently fetch between Rs 120 to 180 for each stem on the Indian market, depending on length and season.What started as a trial of eight varieties has been refined into a robust display of 4,000 blooms, double of last year. Next year, the university plans to increase the volume further, specifically targeting the cut-flower trade.The ‘Bulb’ BottleneckDespite the visual and botanical success, scientists warn that a major economic hurdle remains: the cost of the “seed” itself. Currently, all bulbs must be imported from the Netherlands, as Punjab’s climate—while suitable for a single flowering season—is too warm to allow the bulbs to mature and multiply for the following year. Parminder Singh, head of the PAU’s floriculture and landscaping department, said: “The results, so far, are encouraging, but the availability of bulbs remains the key challenge. It is not yet possible to grow tulip bulbs successfully in Punjab’s conditions.”Regional Research TiesPunjab’s researchers are looking north to the cooler climes of Kashmir for a long-term solution. Scientists at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology are currently working on domestic bulb production. Until these local bulbs can be mass-produced, the high cost of Dutch imports means widespread commercial cultivation by Punjab’s traditional wheat and rice farmers remains out of reach.
