North East- nature's paradise for floriculture :Datta

Kohima, Apr 20 (UNI) Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta said the North Eastern region was nature's paradise having rare flora and fauna, which can attract people from all over the world.

Inaugurating the Floral Galleria, 2006, a first of its kind in the North Eastern region yesterday, Mr Datta said, ''This is an opportunity for the floriculturists to introduce their rare varieties of flowers and consult resource persons outside the region on using modern technology, preservation methods and marketing techniques to woo international markets''.

Earlier, speaking as the guest of honour, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said, ''The Nagas love flowers but did not know their commercial value. Now the hobby has to be turned into an industry, which would bring economic development for the growers as well as the state economy.

Mr Rio has informed that the state horticulture department has selected few places with special varieties of flowers and the department will help the farmers to cultivate the flowers using modern technology.

The three-day festival has been arranged coinciding with the state government's declaration of ''Year of the farmers'', where experts like Arne Svinnengen, a Norweian will speak on '' Management and product quality in the development of pot plant and cut foliage industry '' while Rajiv Prasad, MD, Zopar exports, Bangalore will speak on '' Road map of floriculture in Nagaland''.

UNI AS SP AKP1106