Tripura and ICAR join hands to enhance orchid farming through expert training and distribution of high-quality planting materials.
In a significant move to boost tropical orchid cultivation in Tripura, a day-long training and planting material distribution program was organized today at Pragya Bhavan, Agartala. The initiative was led by the ICAR-National Research Centre for Orchids (NRC Orchids), Sikkim, in collaboration with the ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region and the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Tripura.
The program was inaugurated by Cooperation Minister Shuklacharan Noatia, who highlighted the growing potential of orchid farming in enhancing farmers’ income and its vital role in both domestic and international floriculture markets. He emphasized the economic and commercial opportunities orchids can offer, especially for small and marginal farmers in the state.
Tripura, with its humid tropical climate, rich biodiversity, and fertile forest soil, provides a naturally conducive environment for orchid cultivation. The state is home to over 70 species of wild orchids, many of which are ornamental and hold significant market value.
Tripura, with its humid tropical climate, rich biodiversity, and fertile forest soil, provides a naturally conducive environment for orchid cultivation. The state is home to over 70 species of wild orchids, many of which are ornamental and hold significant market value. Species such as Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis, and Vanda are particularly suited for commercial cultivation. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for cut flowers and potted orchid plants in both national and global markets, making orchid farming a promising avenue for income diversification in the region.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers, cultivators, members of farmer clubs, and self-help groups (SHGs) from across various districts of Tripura. As part of the initiative, a total of 12,000 high-quality Dendrobium orchid planting materials, along with coco blocks, were distributed among participating farmers. The total value of the distributed materials was estimated at ₹35 lakh, funded under the NEH component of ICAR-IIWBR (Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research), Haryana.
Present on the occasion were MLA Jitendra Majumdar, Dr. Yogendra Singh, PS and Nodal Officer (NEH), ICAR-IIWBR, Apurba Roy, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Dr. P. B. Jamatia, Director of the Department, and Deepak Das, Director of the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation.
In his welcome address, Dr. S. P. Das, Director of ICAR-NRC Orchids, elaborated on the correct management practices for cultivating Dendrobium orchids and shared the success stories of the research centre. He underlined the need for scientific guidance and capacity building to make orchid cultivation a viable alternative source of livelihood in Tripura.
The program also featured a technical session conducted by scientists from ICAR-NRC Orchids, Sikkim, who provided hands-on training and practical knowledge to the farmers on tropical orchid cultivation. The training covered key areas such as propagation techniques, disease management, post-harvest handling, and market linkages.
A total of 30 farmers from different districts of Tripura took part in the training program, which is expected to pave the way for the commercial expansion of orchid cultivation in the state.
Officials expressed hope that such initiatives, backed by scientific research and institutional support, will encourage sustainable floriculture practices and open up new income-generating avenues for the rural farming community in Tripura.
