Pakyong, February 4 (IPR): A preparatory and interface meeting for the forthcoming Indian Orchid Festival 2026, organised by ICAR-National Research Centre for Orchids, was held at the conference hall of ICAR-NRCO, Pakyong today.
The Indian Orchid Festival 2026, themed “Orchids for Beauty and Prosperity”, is scheduled to be held from 7 to 10 March 2026.
The proposed events include a National-level Orchid Show-cum-Competition, Institute–Industry–Stakeholders Meet, brainstorming sessions, awareness campaigns, an orchid growers’ meet and a Mega Orchid Planting Material Dissemination programme.
The meeting was chaired by Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Agriculture & Horticulture and Chairman, SVRC, Mr Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, along with Principal Director & Secretary, Horticulture Department, Mr TT Bhutia, and Secretary, Agriculture Department, Dr S Anbalagan.
Also present were Special Secretary, IPRD, Ms Anita Subba; Director, ICAR-NRCO, Dr SP Das, Additional Director, Floriculture, Ms Kesang Lachungpa; Additional Director, Horticulture Department, Ms Pema Choden Bhutia; Additional Director, Agriculture & Horticulture Department, Mr Tshering Chophel Bhutia; along with Principal Scientists from ICAR-NRCO and ICAR-RC NEH Region, and Heads of Offices from various departments.
During the meeting, Director, ICAR-NRCO, Dr SP Das made a presentation on proposals for the release of 13 orchid hybrids through the State Variety Release Committee (SVRC), Sikkim. He also highlighted the events and outcomes of the Indian Orchid Festival 2025, discussing areas for improvement and additional activities to be incorporated in the upcoming festival.
He informed that the initiative aims to strengthen the orchid sector in the state by promoting production and commercialisation, while providing orchid growers an opportunity to interact with various stakeholders and share experiences.
The meeting concluded with an open-house discussion, during which participants shared inputs on the proposed series of events, orchid production in the state and measures to further enhance commercial prospects.
Report from DIO Pakyong