Floriculture unit to come up at Kalakshetra

 GUWAHATI, Feb 14 – The rich and enchanting floriculture of Assam, making its presence felt in the world flower market, is soon going to add value to the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra here. The State Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing is all set to launch a model floriculture unit in the Kalakshetra premises to give the visitors a feel of the vibrant flora of the State, including the process of growing and maintenance of some of the indigenous varieties of orchids and anthuriums.

“An agreement has been signed with the Kalakshetra authorities, under which five green houses are to be constructed for flower production and maintenance. Along with that, a model nursery will also be introduced,” said Harsha Jyoti Baruah, Director Horticulture, Assam, while talking to The Assam Tribune. “This step would do value addition and further strengthen the cultural hub constructed under the Assam Accord,” he added.

The ongoing National Horti Expo, organized for the first time in Assam at the same venue, is witnessing a huge crowd everyday. Most of the nurseries participating in the expo have expressed satisfaction over the sale of flowers and flower-plants.

Around 50 bighas of land would be used for the purpose. The project, worth Rs 70 lakh would take shape within three to four months from now.

Over the years, the demand for flowers, specially orchids, has increased in Assam. So far as potential is concerned, Assam is being referred as the sleeping giant in the export industry. The State is the natural habitat of over 600 species of orchids.

According of the secretary, Kalakshetra, Gautam Sarma, the initiative taken by the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing would help Kalakshetra to maintain its gardens in a more scientific manner.

“Other than getting the privilege of exhibiting some of the exquisite varieties of flowers including orchids, the manpower of Kalakshetra would get hands-on training of growing and maintaining the flowers and plants using modern techniques,” added Sarma.

Plans are also being chalked out to develop a fruit garden in the area.