PAKYONG, (IPR): The second day of the four-day Indian Orchid Festival 2025 continued at ICAR-NRCO, Pakyong, with key events focused on mainstreaming orchid cultivation, strengthening legal awareness on plant variety protection, and facilitating industry collaboration.
The event, organised by ICAR-National Research Centre for Orchids, is being held under the theme ‘Orchids for Beauty and Prosperity’.
Dr Trilochan Mahapatra, chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV & FRA), Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare congratulated ICAR-NRCO on the event and its contributions to orchid research, conservation, and promotion. He highlighted on the variations and diversity of orchids in the Northeast region and their medicinal value. Further, he delivered a speech on the PPV & FRA Act, emphasising the importance of legal frameworks in safeguarding the interests of orchid growers.
Likewise, Dr DK Agarwal, registrar general, PPV and FRA, Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare urged farmers to register their plant varieties to secure their rights and benefits under PPV & FRA Act.
Dr KV Prasad, director ICAR-DFR, Pune, highlighted the prospects and commercial potential of orchids in floriculture and discussed orchid types.
Further, Prof. Sushil K Kothari, dean, Neotia University, highlighted the business potential of orchids, citing their long shelf life and viability in floriculture. He added that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICAR-NRCO would provide students with practical exposure and research opportunities.
As part of the programme, a MoU was signed with various public and private organisations. Also, a ceremonial release of ICAR-NRCO-developed orchid hybrids, publications, and value-added products was held during the event. Additionally, orchid plants were distributed to selected farmers from different wards for planting.
Earlier, the dignitaries toured the exhibition, exploring various displays, interacting with participants, and observing the showcased products.
The event had the presence of Dr SP Das, director, ICAR-NRCO, Sikkim along with dignitaries from various institutions, scientists, students and farmers.