Gangtok, September 23:
Officers from the Department of Horticulture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, paid a one-day visit to the Cymbidium Development Centre at Rumtek, under the Horticulture Department on September 20.
Their main focus was to study the farming practices, market linkages, and value chain models for orchid cultivation in Sikkim and West Bengal. The team of officers from Arunachal Pradesh included:
1. Dr. Kirto Loyi, JDH, Directorate of Horticulture
2. Shri Mardo Ninu, DHO, Namsai
3. Shri P.N. Khirmey, DHO, West Kameng
4. Smt Tasso Yallu, SDHO, Yazali, Keyi Panyor
5. Ms Yalek Messar, HDO (Hq), Upper Siang
Dr. Deeki Lama Tamang, Dy. Director (CDC, Rumtek), briefed the team on micropropagation techniques for true-to-type propagation of selected Cymbidium genotypes using in-vitro methods. The officers were informed about the advantages of producing large-scale planting material and how this technique could help boost Cymbidium cultivation in their state.
The team also toured the Tissue Culture Laboratory, where Dr. Deeki, assisted by Centre VLW Mr. Jigmee D. Bhutia, explained the stages of tissue culture and the infrastructure required to set up such a laboratory. The visitors were then taken to the photo gallery of the Centre, where they viewed the various Cymbidium varieties.
In the second phase, the team visited the Field Unit. Centre HI Mr. Karma M. Bhutia, assisted by H.I. Mrs. Sangay D. Bhutia, guided them through the Hardening Units. The officers were briefed on the cultivation aspects of Cymbidium, organic pest and disease management, and how local growers could generate significant revenue through the sale of cut flowers.
The visitors from Arunachal Pradesh expressed their appreciation for the initiatives taken by the Sikkim Horticulture Department. They noted that Arunachal Pradesh has a similar microclimate to Sikkim and highlighted that Cymbidium cultivation in their state could similarly boost the floriculture sector.
