Beyond the breath-taking views and historical charm lies another facet of Chail’s beauty – its thriving floriculture industry and flourishing fruit orchards. Chail boasts a dedicated Floriculture Centre at the village Mahog Bagh, established by the Himachal Pradesh government to promote the cultivation of high-quality flowers. This center utilizes advanced techniques and greenhouses to cultivate a vibrant variety of flowers. The center not only focuses on beauty but also on sustainability and innovation. Visitors can learn about the latest advancements in flower cultivation techniques and the importance of responsible floriculture practices. Following are the major types grown commercially by the locals:
Roses: A staple of any flower market, roses come in a vast array of colors, from classic reds and whites to more modern yellows and purples.
Lilies: Offering elegance and fragrance, the center cultivates different lily varieties like Asiatics, Orientals, and Stargazers, each with unique color patterns and sizes.
Carnations: Popular for their long-lasting blooms and fringed petals, carnations are another mainstay in Chail’s floriculture scene. These vibrant Carnation flowers come in a wide range of colors.
Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemums are popular cut flowers due to their long vase life and diverse colors. They also hold cultural significance in some Asian countries and are often used in festivals and celebrations.
Gladiolus: Gladioli are popular cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements due to their long stems and striking appearance. These flowers come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, yellow, orange, purple, and bi-colored varieties.
Kale: While not technically a flower, kale is often included in ornamental gardens due to its vibrant foliage. Kale plants have curly or ruffled leaves that come in a range of colors, including green, purple, pink, and white.
Alstroemeria: Alstroemeria, also known as the “Peruvian Lily,” has trumpet-shaped flowers with six petals. They come in a wide range of colors, including pink, orange, yellow, purple, and bi-colored varieties.
A Bounty of Fruits
Chail’s moderate climate, with cool summers and mild winters, provides the perfect environment for growing a variety of fruits. Apple orchards are a common sight, their branches laden with crisp, juicy apples. Beyond apples, Chail’s orchards cultivate a variety of other fruits, including kiwis, plums, peaches, pears, and apricots. These locally grown fruits are known for their superior taste and freshness, offering a true taste of the Himalayas. See the fruit trees in full bloom or witness the harvest season. Some orchards might even offer opportunities to pick your own fruits.
The success of Chail’s floriculture and fruit production is heavily reliant on the hard work and dedication of local farmers. Initiatives to support and empower these farmers are crucial for the industry’s sustainability. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast or simply curious about local agriculture, a visit to Chail’s bustling flower gardens and fruit orchards is a worthwhile addition to your trip.
