The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) is discussing the development of floriculture in Odisha’s Puri district with the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration to ensure the consistent supply of flowers for rituals at the temple.
The premier Lucknow-based R&D centre has created a small garden for demonstration near the Gundicha temple in Puri. A Sun-shaped green patch has been developed near the Bhakta Niwas complex.
“Due to space constraints, we were not allocated a large piece of land to initiate floriculture and meet the temple’s flower requirements. The garden primarily features plants associated with the Navagraha [deities],” Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, NBRI, said, adding, “We are seeking collaboration with the temple administration to meet the demand for flowers.”
