The eighth edition of the ‘Colours of Spring’ flower show has drawn to a close in Dimapur, recording total sales of Rs 11 lakh and a palpable sense of achievement among organisers and participants alike. Organised by the Dimapur District Ladies Club (DDLC) in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture and Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland, the three-day event was more than a vibrant display of nature’s beauty. It served as a reaffirmation of floriculture’s growing significance as a pillar of sustainable livelihood in Nagaland.
What began as a platform for aesthetic appreciation has, over two decades, blossomed into a serious economic enterprise. The transformation of floriculture from a hobby into one of the state’s fastest-growing sectors is a testament to the dedication of its growers and the importance of institutional support. With over 1000 registered flower growers now earning national recognition, the sector’s trajectory is a compelling narrative of grassroots enterprise meeting market opportunity.
This year’s show highlighted the critical role of such exhibitions in nurturing this growth. As observed by wife of the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chief Patron of DDLC Kaisa Rio during the inauguration, the event creates an indispensable link between growers and buyers. This direct interface is the lifeblood of any emerging market, providing immediate commercial benefit while offering invaluable exposure and feedback to cultivators. The total sales figure of Rs 11 lakh is a tangible indicator of this thriving connection.
However, the path forward requires more than just annual exhibitions. The suggestions put forth by retired Director of Horticulture, Watienla Jamir, at the closing ceremony provide a clear roadmap for the sector’s future. Her call for a comprehensive study of both the organised and unorganised sectors is a crucial first step toward accurate data and strategic planning. The proposals for dedicated flower markets with infrastructure for women vendors, walk-in cold rooms to prevent post-harvest losses, and tissue culture labs for disease-free planting materials address the foundational challenges that can impede growth. Furthermore, technical training in value-added products like dry flowers and resin making, coupled with easier access to soft loans, can empower growers to diversify and increase their income.
The ‘Colours of Spring’ show, therefore, is not an isolated event but a vital component of a larger ecosystem. It is a space where commerce meets community, where experienced growers share knowledge with newcomers, and where the symbolic power of flowers, their ability to foster unity and uplift the human spirit, is celebrated. The Naga people’s deep cultural connection to flowers, woven into songs and ancestral stories, provides a rich emotional and cultural foundation for this economic pursuit.
The DDLC, by consistently providing this platform, has nurtured what can rightfully be called a floral revolution. As the club president noted, the growing participation and improved outcomes are a positive sign. The onus now lies on the government and relevant agencies to heed the suggestions from within the community, to provide the necessary infrastructure and policy support, and to ensure that this flourishing sector continues to bloom, bringing with it a spring of prosperity for generations to come.
