Pakyong, October 05 (IPR): The 30th Foundation Day Celebration of ICAR-National Research Centre for Orchids, under the theme “Orchids for a Sustainable Bioeconomy: Path to Viksit Bharat” was held at ICAR-NRCO Pakyong today.
The celebration focused on strengthening orchid research, conservation, cultivation and commercialisation, with emphasis on promoting sustainable orchid-based livelihoods and economic opportunities in the State.
Addressing the gathering, Director, ICAR-NRCO, Dr SP Das highlighted the Centre’s work in orchid conservation, genetic resource management, hybrid development and scientific research. He spoke on the economic potential of orchids and the need to strengthen linkages between growers, markets, tourism and orchid-based businesses. He outlined future plans for expanding orchid cultivation, establishing advanced facilities, adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT)-based technologies and organising exhibitions and festivals to promote orchids and create greater market opportunities for growers.
Likewise, Additional Director, Horticulture and Agriculture Department, Mr Tshering Chophel Bhutia highlighted the centre’s support to farmers, commercial floriculture, farm schools and cluster-based farming.
Additional Director, Horticulture Department, Ms Pema Choden Bhutia discussed Sikkim’s potential for floriculture, greenhouses, tissue culture, training, marketing and value addition.
The programme also featured the launch of the official ICAR-NRCO website and felicitation of Champion Orchid Growers of Sikkim and the Darjeeling Himalayas. Planting materials and inputs were also distributed under the Planting Material and Input Dissemination Programme, followed by a cultural programme.
Also present, VC, SUI Gangtok, Prof Santanu Kumar Swain; Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Pakyong District, Mr Thendup Lepcha; Chief Education Officer, Pakyong, Mr Narayan Mishra; Post Graduate Studies ANDUAT Ayodhya Dr Sanjeet Kumar Dean; Principal Scientist, ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad Dr B Sarkar; Faculty of Horticulture, UBKV, West Bengal Prof Soumen Maitra; Dean, Director of Crop Improvement, ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack Dr K Chattopadhyay; PS I/C College of Horticulture CAU, Bermiok Dr S Bandopadhyay Dean along with official from various departments.
Report from DIO PAKYONG