Leh, September 17, 2026: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, on Thursday inaugurated the world’s highest-altitude twin flower fields at Choglamsar and Stakna in Leh, dedicating the landmark floriculture initiative to the people on Sewa Diwas, marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birth anniversary.
Located at an altitude of 10,600 feet, the two flower fields spread across 40 acres and feature more than 25 lakh high-value flowers, including around 24 lakh Lilium and 1 lakh Gladiolus.
The initiative is aimed at promoting agricultural diversification, commercial floriculture and alternative livelihood opportunities for farmers across Ladakh.
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 by the end of October.
The Agriculture Department plans to develop Choglamsar as a demonstration and training centre for modern floriculture. Farmers and youth will receive training in scientific cultivation, post-harvest management and commercial flower production.
Under the initiative, selected Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperative societies will be involved in cultivation and marketing. The department will provide handholding support during the initial phase, with cooperatives expected to undertake commercial cultivation, harvesting and value addition subsequently.
According to the administration, Lilium currently commands wholesale prices of around ₹60–70 per stick, indicating the potential for floriculture to become an additional income stream for farming communities.
The Lieutenant Governor said the project seeks to go beyond flower cultivation by creating opportunities for livelihoods, skills, entrepreneurship and rural economic development.
The flower garden will also function as a recreational and educational attraction for residents and tourists.
The facility will open to the general public from September 18, 2026. Entry has been fixed at ₹25 for adults and ₹10 for children, with the revenue earmarked for maintenance and upkeep of the garden.
