MoU signed and Workshop organised for the cultivation of Orchids in non-traditional areas and intensification in traditional areas of Eastern India

For giving impetus to cultivation of orchids in non-traditional areas and intensification in traditional areas of Eastern India, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata and ICAR-National Research Centre on Orchids, Sikkim today.

Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata and Dr. S.P. Das, Director, ICAR-NRCO, Sikkim and signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations.

According to this MoU, the Subject Matter Specialist of various KVKs working in the region under the control of ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata will participate in technical deliberations/ brainstorming sessions/hands-on training on advanced management practices including propagation technology among other things in the areas of cooperation.

This Focused partnership between and ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata and ICAR-NRCO, Sikkim through establishment of “Model orchid cultivation cum demonstration unit’ in selected KVKs and promotion of 'Backyard Orchid' cultivation venture will benefit the cactus growers of the region.

An interactive meeting-cum-workshop on “Promotion of Orchid Cultivation in Non-Conventional Areas of West Bengal” was also organised at Hooghly KVK, Chinsura. Dr. Dey mentioned that tropical orchids will go a long way to improve the profitability of farmers engaged in floriculture in this unconventional part of Eastern India besides, creating a sprightly ecosystem. He hoped that with an assured market in nearby metros, orchid cultivation in peri-urban areas will uplift the livelihood of the farming community and sought the involvement of the Department of Horticulture through MIDH schemes and also ATMA schemes for providing fund for the orchid growers.

Dr. Das mentioned that the introduction of the right kind of Dendrobium cultivar will help in perfect bloom in this region. He also mentioned about the importance of disease management in orchids.

Shri. S. Bhakat, Dy. Director of Horticulture, Hooghly, Government of West Bengal in his address promised to extend full support for this noble cause.

Dr. F.H. Rahman, Principal Scientist, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata also spoke on the occasion.

(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)