National conference to improve orchid production and utilisation

GANGTOK, 18 FEB: A national level conference on “National Consultation for Production and Utilization of Orchids” is being organised by the National Research Centre for Orchids[at Pakyong] in collaboration with ICAR Research Complex, Barapani, from 19 to 21 February, at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok, informs a press release.

Director, NRC for orchids, Dr. RP Medhi is the organising Secretary and Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH region, Sikkim Centre, Dr. H Rahman, and Senior Scientist, NRCO, Dr. R Chakrabarti are the co-organising Secretary.
According to the release, the conference has been designed into six themes. These themes are: Genetic diversity – conservation and sustainable utilisation; Biotechnological intervention; Production of quality flowers and planting materials; Post harvest management and value addition; Plant health management and environmental safety; Climate change and livelihood security.
The conference aims at bringing together specialists, scientists, policy makers in the field of orchid research for fruitful interactions and discussions on improving the production and utilization of orchids in the country, informs the release.
The conference is scheduled to be inaugurated by  Agriculture minister, DN Takarpa. At the end of the session i.e on 21 Feb a plenary session will be organised in which all scientists will discuss the outcome of the deliberations and summarise the recommendations, prepare a draft on suitable growth and sustainable utilisation of orchids in the country and submit to the DG, ICAR.