Morung Express News
A three day long flower exhibition cum competition under the aegis of Nagaland Flower Growers Society (NFGS) in collaboration with the department of Horticulture got underway here today at The Heritage (Old DC’s Bungalow).
NFGS has been actively involved in floral decorations in almost all the main events of the government like the Republic day, Independence Day, Hornbill festival etc.
The event, to go on till April 13, featured different categories of the competition such as Cacti and Succulents, Indigenous Foliage and flowers, Bulbs and Tubers, Orchids (Indigenous), Orchids (hybrid), Bonsai, Perennial, Annuals and Biennials, Flower arrangements (Fresh), Flower arrangement (Dry).
Gracing the inaugural function, Alan Gongmei, secretary horticulture Nagaland lauded the organizer and said that such events will encourage the flower growers in the state and enhance the ability to compete with others.
Flowers are integral part of our life and it is used in all important celebrations like festivals, weddings and religious worships, he added. He commented that floriculture in India has emerged as an economically viable diversification option in the Indian agribusiness and has captured the interests of many new entrepreneurs into agriculture sector in recent times. The cultivation and export of floriculture products have received considerable interest in recent years from the policy makers, researches, agricultural and horticultural planners due to the sector's potential in employment, income and export generation. Gonmei said that recognizing the potential of floriculture, the Government of India has identified floriculture as a sunrise industry and accorded it 100% export oriented status.
He also said that India is the second largest producer of floriculture and Roses after China with the area of 2,33000ha. He said that commercial floriculture in Nagaland received attention very late in comparison to the other States and it was just a housewife's activity in the confines of their homes up till 2005, when the Department of Horticulture through the HMNEH Scheme introduced commercial floriculture. From there on, this sector has gone on to become one of the most successful sectors in Horticulture and the State is today known for its quality cut flowers across the Country, he added.
He went on to say that it is also a matter of great satisfaction that floriculture has changed the lives of many housewives, entrepreneurs and unemployed youths and there are numerous success stories that bear witness to this fact.
He felt that the future of Floriculture in the State is rosy and may well be the Sunrise Industry of the State which needs to be tapped to its full potential for providing employment, generating revenue and income for an economically sound Naga society.
The programme was chaired by NFGS assistant general secretary Meyievino Theluo while welcome address was delivered by NFGS president Akruzo Putsure.
The inaugural function was followed by high school level fresh flowers arrangement competition.
Fresh cut flowers, tools and implements, manures, flower seeds, plants etc have also been made available for sale.
(With inputs from DIPR)