PAKYONG, (IPR): The Indian Orchid Festival 2025 commenced at ICAR-NRCO today. The four-day-long national event from March 1 to March 4 is organised by ICAR-National Research Centre under the theme “Orchids for Beauty and Prosperity,” aiming to highlight the strength, status, and scope of the Indian orchid sector in boosting Indian floriculture.
Dr VK Mishra, director of ICAR Research Complex for the NEH Region in Umiam, in his address during the event emphasised the importance of working towards the future conservation of nature, further informing that the orchid industry can expand through the right channel.
Additionally, Dr ArunavaPattanayak, former director, ICAR-IIAB, Ranchi &former director, ICAR-VPKAS, Almora advised maintaining coordination among growers to multiply their supplies and expand business with volume.
Moreover, Dr MK Verma, director of ICAR-CITH, Srinagar, highlighted the extraordinary shelf life of the orchid, sharing its various prospects in the market.
Likewise, Dr KK Baruah, Governing Body Member, ICAR, suggested utilising technological knowledge on the production and expansion of orchids, which would enable them to flourish in export marketing.
Furthermore, Dr AK Pandey, COH, Bermiok, lauded the efforts of the institution to organise ghetto events on a large scale and highlighted the importance of research and technology in the advancement of better production of orchids.
A notable aspect of the day was the ceremonial release of orchid hybrids and value-added products developed by the ICAR NRCO, as well as the dissemination of ICAR NRCO publications.
The event will feature a series of events, including the National Level Orchid Show-cum-Competition, National Dialogue & Brainstorming on Promotion of Orchids in India: Issues & Way Forward, institute-industry and stakeholders' meet, awareness and training programme on orchids & IPR issues, session on PPV & FRA, mega orchid planting material dissemination programme and ceremonial release of NRCO developed orchid hybrid.
Also present were Dr SP Das, director of ICAR-NRCO, Sikkim; Robin PdSewa, ADC (Development); TsheringChophelBhutia, additional director, Agriculture and Horticulture department; SonamPinstoBhutia, DFO (T) along with dignitaries from various line departments, institutions, scientists and farmers.