SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI
DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY REPORT
One Day Workshop on Chrysanthemum Cultivation
Activity Dates: 7 August 2025
Type of Activity: Other
Organizing Department: Department of Botany & Bioinformatics
Program Coordinators: Dr. Swati V. Pundkar
Head of the Department: Dr. Dinesh D. Khedkar
External Collaborator (if any): Amravati Garden Club and Amravati Houshi Bagh (Amateur Gardeners Association)
Objectives:
- To create awareness about the cultivation and conservation of chrysanthemum plants among students, garden lovers, and citizens.
- To provide practical knowledge about chrysanthemum cultivation, including soil preparation, planting techniques, watering, and plant care.
- To introduce participants to different varieties of chrysanthemums and their ornamental value in gardens and landscape design.
- To facilitate interaction between experts, gardening enthusiasts, and students for sharing knowledge and practical experiences in plant cultivation.
- To encourage interest in floriculture and ornamental horticulture as a hobby as well as a potential livelihood opportunity.
No of Beneficieries: 125
Classes Involved: All students and other participants
Venue of the Activity: A. V. theater
Activity Report:
Report on One Day Workshop on Chrysanthemum Cultivation
A Chrysanthemum Cultivation and Conservation Workshop was successfully organized on 7 August 2025 by the Department of Botany, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, in collaboration with the Amravati Garden Club and Amravati Houshi Bagh (Amateur Gardeners Association). The workshop was conducted under the DBT Star Scheme, with the objective of promoting horticultural skills, creating awareness about chrysanthemum cultivation, and encouraging students and citizens to adopt gardening as a sustainable and enriching hobby.
In the present era of rapid urbanization, pollution, and a hectic lifestyle, the importance of greenery and home gardening has increased significantly. Ornamental plants, particularly flowering plants such as chrysanthemum, not only enhance aesthetic beauty but also contribute to environmental well-being and mental relaxation. Keeping this in mind, the workshop was designed to introduce participants to the techniques of chrysanthemum cultivation, its maintenance, and the possibilities it offers as a hobby as well as a small-scale entrepreneurial activity.
The inaugural session of the workshop was graced by several distinguished dignitaries. Dr. Sangita Ingole, IQAC Coordinator of Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, presided over the function. Dr. C. M. Deshmukh, Principal of Shri Shivaji College of Horticulture, Amravati and President of the Amravati Garden Club, was present as a special guest. The program was also honored by the presence of Mr. Kandalakar, President of Amravati Houshi Bagh, who has been actively promoting gardening among citizens. The workshop was organized under the guidance of Dr. Dinesh Khedkar, Head of the Department of Botany.
The program began with a warm welcome address delivered by Dr. Swati Pundkar from the Department of Botany, who greeted the dignitaries, guest speakers, garden enthusiasts, and students. In her welcome speech, she emphasized the significance of chrysanthemum as one of the most beautiful and popular ornamental flowers, known for its vibrant colors and diverse varieties. She also highlighted the role of collaborative initiatives like this workshop in strengthening the bond between academic institutions and community organizations.
The dignitaries present on the dais were welcomed with plant saplings as a symbol of environmental awareness and respect for nature. The organizers emphasized the importance of promoting green practices and nurturing plants as part of everyday life.
The workshop featured Dr. Rekha Maggirwar from the Department of Botany as the academic resource person. Dr. Maggirwar is well known for her active involvement in horticultural activities and had served as the Secretary of Amravati Garden Club for nine years. During her session, she provided detailed information about the different varieties of chrysanthemum, their characteristics, and their significance in ornamental gardening. She also discussed how chrysanthemum plants can be grown successfully in home gardens and balconies with proper care and maintenance.
The workshop also included sessions by experienced chrysanthemum growers and enthusiasts who have achieved remarkable success in cultivating ornamental plants.
One of the prominent experts invited for the workshop was Mr. Sanjay Kale, a renowned chrysanthemum cultivator and gardening enthusiast. Mr. Kale has won the prestigious “Chrysanthemum Cup” of the Amravati Garden Club for nine consecutive years from 2008 to 2016, which reflects his exceptional expertise in chrysanthemum cultivation. Although he is professionally engaged in the grain trading business, his passion for plants and flowers has led him to develop an impressive collection of ornamental plants.
Mr. Kale shared his inspiring journey of starting chrysanthemum cultivation with just four to five pots, primarily to provide flowers for his mother’s daily prayers. Over the years, his hobby gradually expanded into a large collection of 200 to 300 chrysanthemum plants. After achieving repeated success in chrysanthemum competitions, he also developed a keen interest in Adenium, a rare ornamental flowering plant. Today, his collection includes nearly 2000 pots of Adenium plants, showcasing his dedication and passion for gardening.
During his session, Mr. Kale explained in detail the ideal soil mixture required for chrysanthemum cultivation, including the correct proportion of soil, compost, and sand. He also discussed pest and disease management techniques, watering schedules, and seasonal care required to maintain healthy chrysanthemum plants. His practical insights and personal experiences provided valuable learning for the participants.
Another distinguished speaker at the workshop was Mr. Avinash Bhojapure, a retired officer from the Public Works Department (PWD). Despite space limitations in his apartment, Mr. Bhojapure has successfully cultivated 200 to 250 pots of chrysanthemum plants since 2018. His dedication demonstrates that gardening is possible even in small spaces if one has passion and commitment.
Mr. Bhojapure shared his experiences of growing chrysanthemums in flats and balconies and explained how he gradually expanded his hobby by planting chrysanthemums on his farmland as well. He also discussed different chrysanthemum varieties, especially the Ball variety, and explained the techniques required to grow them successfully. His achievements have also been recognized in various gardening competitions organized by the Amravati Garden Club, where he has received several awards in the chrysanthemum category.
The workshop also featured Mr. Ashish Shirsagar, another enthusiastic chrysanthemum cultivator who began growing chrysanthemums in 2016. Mr. Shirsagar manages a plywood and hardware business while also actively participating in lawn tennis, yet he continues to nurture his passion for gardening with great dedication. His ability to balance professional responsibilities with his gardening hobby served as an inspiration to many participants.
Mr. Shirsagar shared practical tips about maintaining chrysanthemum plants, selecting healthy planting materials, and ensuring proper growth conditions. His experiences demonstrated that gardening can become a meaningful and rewarding lifestyle activity when pursued with passion and discipline.
A special highlight of the workshop was the practical demonstration session on chrysanthemum planting and care. During this session, participants were guided through the step-by-step process of preparing the soil mixture, planting chrysanthemum cuttings, potting techniques, and plant maintenance practices. The demonstration provided hands-on learning opportunities for students and gardening enthusiasts, enabling them to understand the practical aspects of chrysanthemum cultivation.
The workshop received an overwhelming response from students, faculty members, and garden lovers from the city. Participants actively engaged with the speakers, asked questions, and shared their own gardening experiences. The interactive nature of the sessions made the workshop informative as well as inspiring.
In their concluding remarks, the dignitaries appreciated the initiative taken by the Department of Botany in organizing such a meaningful workshop. They emphasized that activities like these help students develop practical horticultural skills, environmental awareness, and an appreciation for biodiversity. They also encouraged participants to promote gardening in their homes and communities.
The workshop successfully fulfilled its objectives of spreading awareness about chrysanthemum cultivation, promoting environmental responsibility, and strengthening the connection between academic knowledge and practical application. By bringing together experts, hobbyists, and students on a common platform, the event created an opportunity for knowledge exchange and skill development.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, guest speakers, organizers, and participants for their valuable contributions. All attendees were encouraged to continue practicing gardening and to contribute towards creating greener and healthier surroundings.
Overall, the Chrysanthemum Cultivation and Conservation Workshop proved to be a highly enriching and inspiring event, fostering a deeper appreciation for ornamental plants and encouraging the cultivation of chrysanthemums as both a hobby and a sustainable activity.
Outcomes:
- Participants gained knowledge about different varieties of chrysanthemum and their importance in ornamental horticulture and home gardening.
- Students and garden enthusiasts learned practical techniques of chrysanthemum cultivation, including soil preparation, potting, planting, and plant care.
- Participants were able to understand the methods of chrysanthemum propagation and seasonal care through expert guidance and practical demonstrations.
- Students gained hands-on experience in planting and maintaining ornamental plants, which strengthened their practical understanding of horticulture.
- The workshop encouraged participants to adopt sustainable gardening practices and contribute towards greener and healthier surroundings.
Photos:
 Photo of students and participants |  Dr. Maggirwar madam delivering lecture |
 Hands on by Expert |  participants discussion with expert |
 Blooming Chrysanthemum |  workshop inaugration |
Attendance Sheet:
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