Nagaland flower growers urged to expand resources

SZYO 2nd annual flower festival at Sechü- Zubza underway 

Morung Express news 
Kohima | November 10 

Commissioner & Secretary, Horticulture & Women Development, Anenla Sato today urged flower growers to expand their vast resources and take the entrepreneurial activity to a greater platform of making Zubza a floriculture hub or village while asserting that Zubza is blessed with scenic beauty and many resources. 

She was speaking at the 2nd annual flower festival which commenced at Sechü- Zubza on November 10. Organized by the Sechu-Zubza Youth Organization (SZYO) in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Nagaland the festival will be held from November 10 to December 20 along Sechü Zubza NH-29. 

She said flowers represent the symbol of beauty and serenity. Stating that production of rice and other crops would require a year round period, Sato observed that flowers require shorter duration to grow and provides aesthetic and innovative space for growth. As such, she encouraged the flower growers to taking up floriculture as a year round farming and go beyond hobby pointing that they must focus on the quality of flowers and not only rely on other jobs. 

The speaker also called them to take advantage of the spot being nearby to the two main commercial spots in the state that is Kohima and Dimapur. Sato also youths to take up own private enterprises and look for alternative source of income.

Assistant Soil Conservation Officer, Zuchumi Ovung said that the need of the hour was trained persons in the field. She observed that there was also lack of resources in the state as well as the country for the floriculture sector.

She informed that there was a huge need for different varieties of flowers, which would also open financial doors for the flower lovers and generate year round income for the flower community.

Ovung emphasized on climatic conditions of Sechu-Zubza which was suitable for production of numerous agricultural and horticultural crops, including flowers. However, she lamented that no effort had been made to explore the existing potential. 

The programme was led by SZYO, Vice President Kevirhebi Mor, invocation by Sechü Zubza Baptist church, Neiketulie Medoze and greetings by Sechü Zubza Village chairman, Khriengulie Kuotsu and vote of thanks by General secretary, SZYO, Rokovisa Kielienyü.

The festival is being organised with the objective to encourage the flower growers to showcase and also provide a platform to sell their flowers and other products and generate revenue. 

A total 28 stalls have been set up to showcase varieties of flowers including Poinsettia, Crysanthem, dried flowers and ever greens plants. 

Last year, the flower festival revenue earned an approximately Rs 45 lakh, estimating each day to generate 1 lakh rupees over a period of 45 days.