Floriculture offers economic opportunities for women and youth in Nagaland, leaders say, as Dimapur flower show promotes livelihoods.
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DIMAPUR — Chief patron of Dimapur District Ladies Club (DDLC), Kaisa Rio, on Thursday said floriculture has immense potential in Nagaland not just as a hobby but as a viable economic activity, especially for women and youth, as she inaugurated the club’s 8th edition flower show ‘Colours of Spring’ at the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Centre (IBHIC), Dimapur.
The three-day event is organised in collaboration with Horticulture department and Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN).
Kaisa said the flower show goes beyond showcasing beauty and serves a larger purpose of promoting floriculture, nurturing creativity and connecting enthusiasts, while creating a direct market for growers and buyers and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
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She said development is not simply a matter of infrastructure and numbers but also involves nurturing skills, culture and human connection, and encouraged the community to take up gardening and floriculture. Emphasising environmental responsibility, she said nature should be seen “not just something to consume but as something to cherish and protect”.
Commissioner and Secretary for Horticulture Akumla Chuba said the event marks a comeback celebration after a hiatus of 17 years and provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs, florists, flower growers, farmers and professionals to meet, renew business friendships and share ideas and innovations. She said the programme aims to provide encouragement and insights for individuals to venture into floriculture and that “progress happens together”.
During the programme, IDAN chairman Abu Metha announced plans to replicate Kohima’s Bloom Bazaar in Dimapur in partnership with local clubs and said the government aims to create a dedicated flower market in the state, addressing weather challenges faced by women vendors.
He highlighted opportunities under the Chief Minister’s Microfinance Scheme, stating that eligible entrepreneurs can apply for financial assistance including bank loans, soft loans and grant-in-aid support, and said IDAN has a cell to handhold entrepreneurs and businesspersons.
He added that soft loans are also offered to flower growers through partnerships with Bank of Baroda and SBI, and that high-quality seeds and bulbs sourced from Europe have recently been distributed to growers, mainly in Kohima.
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Metha also spoke on women’s issues, stating domestic violence exists and that victim blaming must be overcome while hereditary rights and traditional institutions need to give greater recognition to women. He said government agencies will work harder for them and offered to collaborate with the club.
Associate Professor of Horticulture at Nagaland University, Dr. Rokolhuü Keditsu encouraged cultivators to learn resin floral art, dried flower framing and preservation, noting that the region has rich raw materials for dry flowers. She said raw materials are often exported to other states for value addition and suggested collaborations between the university, the state department and organisations to boost commercial floriculture.
The first day featured flower and plant competitions with winners declared in six categories — foliage, perennials, cactus/succulents/euphorbia, orchid, annuals and bonsai.
Prize winners
Foliage: 1st Ayongla; 2nd Kemhievonuo Keret; 3rd Visazono; Consolation Yanthunglo.
Perennials: 1st Peninggaulie Phom; 2nd Neisanuo; 3rd Flower City; Consolation Yanthunglo.
Cactus, Succulents and Euphorbia: 1st Neisanuo Aneyu; 2nd Chizou; 3rd Zetsilie; Consolation Avi Aye.
Orchid: 1st Makhila; 2nd Makhila; 3rd Rüütono; Consolation Avi Aye.
Annuals (seasonal flowers): 1st Vetuyi; 2nd Suohienuo Keyho; 3rd Mete; Consolation Nouneguno.
Bonsai: 1st Neisanuo Aneu; 2nd Mete; 3rd Flower City; Consolation Neisanuo Aneu.