Orchid farming plan for plains
TT, 21 May 2019, Jalpaiguri: The state horticulture department has set up an orchidarium here to introduce orchid farming among farmers residing in the foothills of the sub-Himalayan region to improve their economic conditions.
An officials of the department said cultivation of these ornamental flowers, which have huge demand across the country and overseas, would help farmers boost their income.
In this part of the country, orchids are grown in Sikkim, Kalimpong and in some other parts of the hills. Various varieties of the flower are also seen in some of the prominent reserve forests and national parks located in the region.
"Some people have started orchid farming in a couple of places in Jalpaiguri and have succeeded in their endeavour. The weather is congenial here and thus, we have decided to take the initiative from the state's side," said Salauddin Khan, a deputy director of the state horticulture department posted in Jalpaiguri.
As a part of the initiative, the department has set up an orchidarium -- an enclosed space with controlled weather conditions over an area of 132 square metres at the department's farm in Mohitnagar.
"We have a building and other allied infrastructure to train farmers who are interested to take up orchid farming. Trainings to produce fruits, vegetables and flowers of different varieties are regularly provided to cultivators here. We will now introduce training for orchid farming," added Khan.
According to him, they would plant as many as 500 different species of orchids at the orchidarium, including species like dendrobium, phalaenopsis, vanda and cymbidium.
"Anybody who wants to know about orchids can come and avail training here. We will offer practical trainings at the orchidarium and will also help them with saplings," the official added.
Ahead of the monsoons, the officials will bring in saplings at the site. They have plans to start the orchidarium latest by the beginning of the next month.
"The idea is to provide farmers an option to cultivate these flowers as an alternative with the traditional crops which they produce. The orchids will fetch good prices to them. But, the farming is a bit different for which they need the training," said Khan.
An officials of the department said cultivation of these ornamental flowers, which have huge demand across the country and overseas, would help farmers boost their income.
In this part of the country, orchids are grown in Sikkim, Kalimpong and in some other parts of the hills. Various varieties of the flower are also seen in some of the prominent reserve forests and national parks located in the region.
"Some people have started orchid farming in a couple of places in Jalpaiguri and have succeeded in their endeavour. The weather is congenial here and thus, we have decided to take the initiative from the state's side," said Salauddin Khan, a deputy director of the state horticulture department posted in Jalpaiguri.
As a part of the initiative, the department has set up an orchidarium -- an enclosed space with controlled weather conditions over an area of 132 square metres at the department's farm in Mohitnagar.
"We have a building and other allied infrastructure to train farmers who are interested to take up orchid farming. Trainings to produce fruits, vegetables and flowers of different varieties are regularly provided to cultivators here. We will now introduce training for orchid farming," added Khan.
According to him, they would plant as many as 500 different species of orchids at the orchidarium, including species like dendrobium, phalaenopsis, vanda and cymbidium.
"Anybody who wants to know about orchids can come and avail training here. We will offer practical trainings at the orchidarium and will also help them with saplings," the official added.
Ahead of the monsoons, the officials will bring in saplings at the site. They have plans to start the orchidarium latest by the beginning of the next month.
"The idea is to provide farmers an option to cultivate these flowers as an alternative with the traditional crops which they produce. The orchids will fetch good prices to them. But, the farming is a bit different for which they need the training," said Khan.
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