Orchids distributed to SHGs
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, October 11 2014 :
Orchid farming as a viable source of livelihood was stressed today during the distribution ceremony of commercial hybrid orchid saplings to the progressive farmers of Sadar Hills, Senapati district at FEEDS-KVK, Sylvan conference Hall, Hengbung, Senapati.
Speaking as the chief guest of the programme, Dr AN Rao, PI & Director, Orchid Research & Development Centre, Hengbung urged farmers to adopt a remunerative approach in orchid farming.
He also underlined the need to promote and encourage orchid farmers of the State while adding that the Orchid Research & Development Centre, Hengbung is readily available for any help and assistance to the farmers.
Dr Rao also urged the orchid farmers to show deep interest in their profession and ensure maximum benefits.
The distribution ceremony of high valued cut flower quality imported Dendrobium Hybrid saplings to progressive farmers was organised by Orchid Research & Development Centre, Hengbung under the sponsorship of Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India.
The saplings have been distributed to 10 selected women Self Help Groups from different villages of Sadar Hills, Senapati district.
Dr N Jyotsna, PC, KVK-Sylvan, Senapati asserted that Self Help Groups in the State as a whole and Senapati in particular are declining rapidly while adding that there are also many Self Help Groups which have become defunct.
While urging the Self Help Groups to cooperate and support one another to sustain and survive, Dr Jyotsna observed that even banking sector are nowadays unwilling to give loan to SHGs since there are many defaulter Self Help groups.
JG Paul, Administrative Officer, FEEDS-KVK Sylvan, Hengbung, Senapati district pointed out that ORDC Hengbung has been working hard for more than five years in bringing varieties of orchid at the doorsteps of the people from many other parts of the world.
The centre has also discovered many new orchids which were not found before in the State and in the country as well as in the entire world.