
02/02/2025
ICAR to Host Indian Orchid Festival 2025: A Platform for Experts and Enthusiasts
Pakyong, February 02 (IPR): The ICAR-National Research Centre for Orchids, located in Pakyong, Sikkim, has announced the forthcoming INDIAN ORCHID FESTIVAL 2025. This event is slated to occur from March 1 to March 4, 2025, at the ICAR-National Research Centre for Orchids, Dikling/Airport Road in Pakyong. This year's festival is set to celebrate the diversity and beauty of orchids, attracting enthusiasts, horticulturists, scientists, and nature aficionados from across the nation.
Among the primary attractions of the festival will be an engaging Orchid Show and Competition, providing participants with a distinguished opportunity to present their finest orchid specimens. Numerous awards will be conferred upon winners across various categories, promoting competition and acknowledging exceptional contributions in the field of orchid cultivation.
In addition to the orchid exhibition, the festival will host a brainstorming session entitled "Promotion of Orchids in India: Issues & Way Forward." This session aims to collect insights and innovative perspectives from experts and participants to address the challenges encountered in orchid cultivation and marketing. The collaborative efforts of this initiative aspire to develop a unified strategy for promoting orchids both domestically and internationally.
Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to visit the acclaimed ICAR-NRCO Orchid Conservatories, which house a remarkable array of orchid species, allowing visitors to gain knowledge about diverse species, their natural habitats, and conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding these exquisite plants.
For individuals interested in practical applications, designated sales points will be available for nurseries and orchid growers, facilitating networking and the establishment of valuable connections.
The festival will also emphasise the importance of interaction between academia and industry stakeholders through a significant meeting where academics, researchers, and industry professionals can converge to discuss innovative practices and share insights to enhance orchid cultivation and trade.
In conjunction with technical discussions, the festival will underscore the importance of education and awareness concerning orchid cultivation and care. An awareness and training program focused on orchids will be conducted to equip both novice and experienced growers with essential knowledge and best practices to refine their cultivation skills.
Participants will benefit from the Mega Orchid Planting Material Dissemination & IPR Issues session, which will address the latest advancements regarding planting materials and intellectual property rights related to orchids, ensuring that growers are informed about best practices and legal frameworks pertinent to their cultivation.
Furthermore, the festival will promote meaningful interaction between farmers and scientists, bridging the gap between research and practical agriculture. This session will enable farmers to glean insights from scientific findings while allowing scientists to appreciate the real-world challenges faced by growers.
A session dedicated to the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act (PPV & FRA) will be a crucial component of the agenda, emphasising the legal and ethical dimensions of planting and safeguarding orchid varieties.
In addition to the extensive array of knowledge and discussions, the festival promises to celebrate cultural richness through various events, offering attendees the chance to experience traditional cuisine that showcases the flavours and culinary heritage of Sikkim, creating a feast for both the senses and the spirit.
For further details, including competition categories and registration forms, please visit the official website at www.nrco.icar.gov.in or contact 9339404853 or 8389816176.
Report from DIO Pakyong
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