For the second time, the state is organizing an “International flower festival”. Government of Sikkim has invited floriculturist from different state to participate in this spectacular event.The Government of India is providing all necessary support to the State Government to promote this mega event.
Floriculture is now commercially cultivated in several states with Tamil Nadu( 24% )Karnataka ( 20% ), Andhra Pradesh ( 13% ) having gone ahead of other producing states like Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Gujarat, Orrissa, Jharkhand, Utter Pradesh and Chattisgarh.Indian floriculture industry comprises of flowers such as Rose, Tuberose, Glads, Anthurium, Carnations, Marigold etc.
Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai are the biggest market of flowers in Southern India. India’s total export of floriculture was Rs. 365.32 crores in 2011-12. The major importing countries were USA, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada and UAE. More than 50% of the floriculture units are based in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. With the technical collaborations from foreign companies, the Indian floriculture industry is poised to increase its share in the world trade.
The International Flower Show will give a platform for Floricultrarist of Sikkim and Karnataka to meet and exchange technical know how and also establish business linkages.
Sikkim is also set to become the first State to be totally organic by 2015. The programme which is being spearheaded by Shri Pawan Chamling Chief Minister of Sikkim is being implemented on a Mission mode.
The International flower festival is being held from the 23 to 27th February 2013 at Saramsa park near Gangtok the capital of Sikkim. More details can be availed from www.internationalflowershowsikkim.com
Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh consented to inaugurate the Flower Festival.
The Chief Secretary of Sikkim Mr. Karma Gyatso informed that the International Flower Festival is expected to attract over 2 lakh domestic and international tourist. The festival is organized once in every five year is likely to have the participation of 25 international,30 national and 190 domestic growers.
The Chief Secretary also informed that the festival in addition to drawing international attention would sensitize farmers of the state, explore potential for high value floriculture, diversification and value addition. It is also aimed at enhancing investment in floriculture and related sectors.
Sikkim is celebrating 2012 -2013 as the year of horticulture. Sikkim is tiny state and newest member of North East Council has around 600 species of Orchids, 240 species of trees and ferns, 150 varieties of gladioli,46 types of rhododendrons along with a variety of magnolias and many other foliage plants.
Floriculture in Sikkim is becoming increasingly popular and many tha educated youths have taken up floriculture as a viable livelihood occupation.
In Sikkim flowers are grown on 210 hectares of land out of which 69.99% are covered with flower cultivation. Shanta Pradhan the Secretary of agriculture and horticulture said that the festival would go a long way to showcase Sikkim as the floriculture destination.
On the occasion of International Flower Festival. The Tourism Dept of Sikkim is likely to announce a Special Tour packages for the visitors to the festival.
