International Flower Fest coming up in Spring

GANGTOK, 07 Jan: The State Government is in the process of organizing the 4th International Horticulture and Flower Exhibition in April-May later this year. As per officials in the Agriculture Department, this installment of the event is being planned on an even larger scale than past years.
The Sikkim government organizes a National and International flower show cum exhibition on alternate years and with the national-level event hosted at Saramsa Garden last year, it is time for an international exhibition this spring. The state government is expected to invite participants from more than 12 countries to the show and related events which seek to promote Sikkim’s natural wealth of horticulture produce, Cymbidium Orchids and other flowers, all of which are now grown organically here.
The International Flower Festival will include a buyers & sellers meet, a symposium and deliberations on development of orchids and cut flowers, and organic farming and its future.
A national-level Horticulture Exhibition cum Sale will be hosted at the venue alongside the flower show. The State Government, it is informed, has already appraised the Union Ministry of Horticulture about its plans and sought coordination and support from the ministry.
It may also be mentioned here that in the year 2013, the Government of Sikkim had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Netherland and Thailand to further develop floriculture in the State to cater to international markets.
[VISHNU NEOPANEY]