Floriculture business a boon in Nagaland

Imphal, Oct 17(ANI): Demand for flowers and its decorative forms amongst people is rising in Nagaland, which has made floriculture a profitable business for farmers across the State.

Nagaland's favorable climatic and geographical conditions also offer tremendous scope for floriculture. Based on their accessibility and agro-climatic suitability, Kohima, Mokokchung, Wokha and Dimapur districts have been selected for commercial production of flowers.

"We are able to earn well through this business. If we do well, the owners also appreciate our efforts. It is a very productive business," said Thako.

High demand in both the domestic and international markets for flowers like roses, lilium, anthurium and carnation has also led the state Horticulture Department to expand the business for commercial production.

The State Horticulture Department has incurred an overall expenditure of Rs.1.25 crore for setting up various projects, which includes 17 greenhouse units for roses that have been set up in Mokokchung and Kohima.

Meanwhile, entrepreneurs are investing in the rapidly growing floriculture market, which also has the potential to contribute considerably to the growth of agriculture sector and the economy of the State.

Kahra, a local resident, said that the initiative to escalate floriculture would beautify Nagaland.

"Flowers are very important in Nagaland. Almost everybody likes flowers as they make people happy. At the same time, it beautifies the nature of Nagaland. Many are growing flowers. 99 percent or 90 to 99 percent people are growing flowers," Kahra said. (ANI)