Turkestan witnesses the blossoming of tulips
### Tulips Bloom at Ahmet Yassawi University's Botanical Garden Research Institute in Turkestan
Ahmet Yassawi University's Botanical Garden Research Institute in Turkestan has recently expanded its greenhouse facilities, allowing for the cultivation of 8,000 Dutch tulip bulbs. This marks a significant increase from the initial 3,000 bulbs planted several years ago.
The innovative technologies for growing tulips in greenhouse conditions have been the focus of scientists at the university for years. These advanced techniques include tissue culture propagation, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), soil-less cultivation, smart irrigation systems, and genetic improvement and breeding.
The Botanical Garden Research Institute has been a pioneering centre for horticultural innovation in Turkestan, with a focus on preserving native tulip species unique to the region, as well as adapting and developing popular commercial hybrids. The 14 varieties of tulips planted this year include Ace of Spades, Barcelona Blanca, Bullit, Crème Fraîche, Crisco, Jumbo Beauty, Lady Bell, Pink Stone, Rebellious Yellow, San Luiz, Showroom, Strong Gold, Triple A, and Strong Love.
The expansion of the greenhouse facilities has allowed for an increase in the number of tulips planted, and the work is now underway to commercialize the flowers for planned sales. This includes partnerships with local farmers, horticultural businesses, and export companies, and targeting both domestic flower markets and export opportunities, especially to Europe and Asia.
The Botanical Garden Research Institute is also developing quality standards and branding for tulips grown under institutional technology protocols, and offering workshops and training programs for local growers and entrepreneurs on innovative cultivation techniques. Additionally, they are exploring value-added products like cut flowers, bulbs for sale, and derivatives like tulip-based products (e.g., essential oils).
The expansion of the Botanical Garden Research Institute's greenhouse facilities and the development of innovative tulip-growing technologies are expected to have a positive impact on the regional economy through job creation and export revenue, as well as contributing to environmental sustainability through the use of resource-efficient technologies. The Institute's work is also laying the foundation for future projects aimed at further technological improvements and expansion into other floriculture crops.
During the March holidays, traditionally, tulips grown in the botanical garden are presented as gifts to veteran teachers and university partners. This year's blooming of tulips marks an exciting step forward in the Institute's mission to advance tulip cultivation and make Turkestan a key player in the global tulip industry.
The Ahmet Yassawi University's Botanical Garden Research Institute has expanded its greenhouse facilities, not only allowing for the cultivation of more tulips but also diversifying their collection, as evident by the addition of popular commercial hybrids like Ace of Spades and San Luiz, in their home-and-garden section. With the advancement in gardening techniques such as controlled environment agriculture (CEA), these tulips are anticipated to enhance the lifestyle of the local community and beyond, through potential sales and value-added products.
