SKUAST-K organises workshop on exotic orchids

Srinagar, Aug 2: A three-day workshop titled "Exotic Orchids for Paradise on Earth" was held from August 1 to 3, at ICAR-CITH and SKUAST-Kashmir.

The event marked the introduction of Cymbidium orchids to the Kashmir Valley, an initiative conceived by SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor, Prof Nazir A Ganie.

In a collaborative effort, the Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, ICAR-CITH, and ICAR-NRCO, Sikkim, procured 4,000 Cymbidium orchid plants for trials at CITH and SKUAST-K. The aim is to evaluate their performance and explore commercialization prospects under Kashmir's unique conditions.

During the inaugural session at CITH, Rangreth, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, Director General of Floriculture and chief guest, commended the initiative and pledged full support from his department to promote commercial orchid cultivation.

Dr. S.P. Das, Director of ICAR-NRCO, briefed participants on orchid cultivation practices and their commercial value. Directors MK Verma (CITH) and Dr I T Nazki (SKUAST-K) outlined the roadmap for orchid cultivation in Kashmir, emphasizing stakeholder cooperation.

At the valedictory function, Prof Haroon Naik, Director of Research at SKUAST-K, stressed the importance of standardizing cultural practices and providing proper training to aspiring entrepreneurs before commercialization.

The workshop attracted progressive flower growers and students, who received hands-on training in orchid cultivation and tissue culture techniques. This initiative is expected to diversify Kashmir's already rich floral landscape and potentially open new avenues in the region's floriculture industry.