Fragrance Of Roses In Nagaland

By Staff

Friday, January 16, 2009, 12:10

Rose Cultivation is the new venture trend in Nagaland, with an area of 500 square meters under cultivation. The state's Department of Horticulture is supervising the cultivation and the technical know-hows provided by the various private companies.

This new venture has offered a new hope to the local entrepreneurs, Watienla Jamir, Joint Director, Horticulture Dept, Nagaland, said: "We wanted to find out the potentiality of growing rose in Nagaland, whether the quality would be good. So, around one hectare area was initiated in the Yisemyong government farm, and we found that the quality was good and of International standard and it was serving as an eye opener and model for entrepreneurs."

Anungla, one rose exporter, said: "I want to encourage the youth in Nagaland that being a part of this is very profitable for us and been engaged in something is a wonderful experience and beneficial for each and everyone of us."

The state boasts of over 12 lakhs (1.2 million) stems of cut roses till now with annual sales in 2008 standing at crores of rupees. Over 20 self-help groups have taken the rose cultivation project and is also helping the youth in employment by keeping them involved in productive activities.

Yach beiu, a rose cultivator, said: "The state government directive to display roses is a good encouragement to us beneficiarixes. I believe it would rope in good money and promote rose cultivation. An idle mind promotes anti-social activities and ill thoughts, so I believe being engaged in whatever constructive activity, would usher in peace in our land."

Neisakuono, a local resident, said: "Rose has good market value as it is bought for all special occasion, to decorate houses, to gift others and in programmes. People buy a lot so it has a good market generating income."

The cultivation of rose is implemented by the Department of Horticulture and was initiated in 2004-05. Since then Nagaland has received various awards for its remarkable achievements in the floriculture sector. This is sure to boost the economic development sector of the state with the demand for top quality roses increasing globally.