Two Days Exhibition-Cum-Awareness On Floriculture For Entrepreneurship Development And Livelihood Improvement
Two days Exhibition-cum-Awareness on “Floriculture for entrepreneurship development and livelihood improvement” was conducted by the Horticulture Division, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya under Tribal Sub Plan in collaboration with the Snohktilang Organic Farmers’s Club, Umran Niangbyrnai from 29th–30th March, 2017 at Umran Niangbyrnai village. The main aim of the programme was to show case the various floricultural products of the farmers and also to create awareness among the farmers on the entrepreneurship development and livelihood improvement through floricultural activities. During the inaugural programme, Sh. G. Shylla, District Horticulture Officer, Ri-Bhoi District graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his address, the Chief Guest pointed out that flower crops cultivation in Ri-Bhoi is a profitable venture if scientific practices of cultivation is adopted and therefore, he urged the farmers to learn and take advantages of such programmes. Dr. A.K. Jha, Principal Scientist & Head, Horticulture Division, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam highlighted the importance and scope of floriculture in the region. He also encouraged the farmers to develop a market oriented approache and develop skills on entrepreneurship through floriculture. The programme was presided by Dr. H. Rymbai and Dr. H.D. Talang delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was attended by Sh. Alan John Kharbani, Rangbah Shnong of Umran Ningbyrnai and Dr. A.R. Roy. There were 16 stalls from various Farmers’ clubs, SHGs, NGOs, etc of the district participated in the exhibition. In addition, more than 200 numbers of farmers attended the programme. During the awareness programme, farmers were exposed to various technological advancements made in floriculture such as package of practices, plant health management, post-harvest, value addition and marketing of flower cultivation in the region. All the stalls were adjudged and during the valedictory programme, Dr. A.K. Jha distributed the first prize for the best stall to R.R.T.C., Umran, the second was awarded to Sloan Nursery, Niangbyrnai and 3rd prize was awarded to Snohktilang Organic farmers’ Club, Umran. On concluding speech, Dr. A.K. Jha appreciated the participants for active participation and also thanked the Director of the Institute for help and support to organise such an event. Throughout the programme, the participants had expressed greater enthusiasm in learning and were very much convinced that adopting scientific management of cultivation and proper floral arrangement will improve their crop production, quality and their income generations. The programme was coordinated by Drs. H. Rymbai, H.D. Talang, A.R. Roy, and A.K. Jha of the institute.
