Yanthan sees flowery future for state’s floriculture 

Eastern Mirror Desk Dimapur, Nov. 6: A flower exhibition and competition organised by the Dimapur District Floricutural Association (DDFA) was inaugurated at Urban Haat in Dimapur on Nov. 6. The exhibition was a collaborative event with the Nagaland Flowers Growers Society (NFGS) and co-sponsored by department of Horticulture. The 5-day event was inaugurated by Mhathung Yanthan, advisor for the department of Horticulture. Yanthan emphasised on how attention to commercial floriculture in Nagaland could be had late when compared to the impetus states’ markets received.  He informed that the department of Horticulture introduced commercial horticulture in the year 2005, as part of the horticulture mission for Northeast and Himalayan states, and that from then on it became a successful sector in the state. "I encourage the flower growers in the state to take advantage to grow and create beautiful floral designs and raise the standard, raise the stature of the state in floriculture industry since Nagaland is blessed with favourable climate and with rich diversity of plants and flowers," he said. Yanthan also encouraged the DDFA and NFGS members telling them that they all have important roles to play as ambassadors in furthering the efforts and vision of the sector’s growth to transform the state into a “city of gardens.” The advisor has urged the flower growers to help the floral industry to attain even higher standards. They were told to encourage practitioners to constantly upgrade their skills to meet evolving demands of the industry. This will not only increase the public’s appreciation for flowers but also lead to greater recognition for the flower industry, the gathering was told. Yanthan also advised the growers to link up with regional networks as well as national floral designer’s community. "I want you to participate and showcase your exceptional skills and talent in other events outside the state," Yanthan said. He advised them to establish partnerships with their counterpart from other states, which will allow them to gain expertise and experience and open more avenues for the local floral industry to grow. The keynote address for the programme was delivered by the DDFA’s president, Abeny Ezung. She informed that the vision of the flower growers was to promote entrepreneurship in flower in the district. The association currently has more than 60 members. "The objective of the association is to train and build flower growers to be skill in the growing produces, to improve the socio economic conditions of the growers, promote the indigenous flowers as well as conserve it and create awareness about adding aesthetic values in the surrounding through flowers," she said. Ezung informed that the event will showcase a plethora of fresh and dry flower varieties, and plants besides garden landscapes.