ICAR-NRCO, Pakyong, promotes tropical orchids in Tripura

ICAR-National Research Centre for Orchids (NRCO), Pakyong, Sikkim, in collaboration with ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region and the Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Tripura, organized a one-day training-cum-planting material distribution program at Pragna Bhawan, Agartala on November 27.

The program aimed to promote tropical orchid cultivation in the state, leveraging its favorable climate and growing consumer demand for orchids. Ratan Lal Nath, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of Tripura, inaugurated the program and highlighted the significant role orchids can play in enhancing farmers' income, both in domestic and global markets.

Dr. H.P. Singh, Ex-DDG ICAR, addressed the gathering on the potential of Tripura to diversify floriculture production by adopting orchid cultivation. The program saw enthusiastic participation from 300 farmers from across Tripura, who received 12,000 high-quality orchid planting materials of Dendrobium, along with coco blocks, valued at ₹35 lakhs under the NEH program supported by ICAR institutes, including ICAR-CRIJAF, NIPB, and CTRI.

Dignitaries present included Shri Jitendra Majumder, MLA (Kakraban Salgarh Assembly), Dr. P.B. Jamatia, Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Tripura, Dr. Bir Pal Singh, Ex-Director ICAR CPRI, Padma Shree Dr. A.N. Rao, Ex-Director, COGCEHR, Manipur, and scientists from ICAR-NEH RC, Tripura.

Dr. S.P. Das, Director, ICAR-NRCO, welcomed the gathering and shared the achievements of the Centre. Dr. Kalaivanan, Scientist (Plant Pathology), ICAR-NRCO, extended the vote of thanks.

Technical sessions were conducted by scientists from ICAR-NRCO, Sikkim, providing farmers with practical knowledge on cultivating tropical orchids effectively. This initiative is expected to boost interest in orchid cultivation among farmers in Tripura, contributing to the state's efforts to diversify agricultural practices and enhance the economic prospects of floriculture.