ICAR NRC for Orchids collaborates with MzSRLM to create Orchid Centre

Discussions were held on the creation of facilities with an aim to make the village clusters a model for the rest of the state in terms of orchid introductions, propagation, cultivation

A Consultative Meet on the Creation of the Orchid Centre in Mizoram was held. The meet was followed by visits and discussions with prospective orchid farmers at Aizawl, Aibawk and Maubuang.

The meet was jointly organised by MzSRLM and NRCO.

During the inaugural session, H. Lalchhandami, Chief Executive Officer, MzSRLM, Rural Development Department, Aizawl briefed about the outline of the vision and mission of MzSRLM and their specific goals pertaining to orchid centre development cum functionalities for sustainable livelihood of grass-root commune through orchid cultivation and viable commerce out of it.

Dr S. P. Das, Director, ICAR-NRCO, through a message, conveyed the holistic principles of sustainable orchid promotion in enhancing rural livelihood in Mizoram.

A team of NRCO scientists comprised of Dr L. C. De and Dr D. Saha along with officials of MzSRLM, Aizawl, interacted with all administrative officials of Aibawk block in the presence of Esther Leihang, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Aibawk and C. Vanlalhruaii, Block Mission Manager, Aibawk and discussed block and village level perspective regarding the commercial level of orchid production system in deriving economic resilience for the community.

Discussions were also held on the creation of facilities with an aim to make the village clusters a model for the rest of the state in terms of orchid introductions, propagation, cultivation and viable commerce out of this venture.

The team came up with a road map coupled with an initial recommendation in the presence of all concerned officials and stakeholders.

Lalchhandami expressed her eagerness to see the state of Mizoram being a sensible hub of viable orchid cultivation-cum-commerce in due course of time including some efforts in conserving natural orchid species of the state.

Discussions were held on the creation of