Tura, February 6: A colorful Two Day Horticulture Show cum Exhibition and Flower Arrangement Competition began here at the Christian Girls Higher Secondary School, Tura on Thursday with West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Jagdish Chelani gracing the event as Chief Guest.
Inaugurating the exhibition, Chelani lauded the department for providing such kind of platform which is essential for the horticulture farmers and flower enthusiast to showcase their products as well as to provide an opportunity for them to acquire knowledge about technical methods including promotion of marketing skills for successful sale of their products. Stating that the region abounds in variety and diversity of crops, he said that the greenery mesmerizes him and expressed his immense love for the natural beauty of the area.
Mentioning his observation from the last five years, he said that Meghalaya had a higher contribution through agriculture in the overall State GDP than other states. Further, mentioning the concept of Three Sisters concept- that is planting of Corn, Squash and vines like Beans which support each other when planted together, he suggested the adoption of integrated farming with agriculture for enhanced production and sustainability keeping in mind to preserve the environment as well.
Stating that the region had been experiencing a decline in arecanut plantation due to bud-rot disease and practice of mono-cropping, he suggested the horticulture farmers to cultivate the practice of multiple cropping such as arecanut, black pepper and pineapple etc., which can grow together in the area and also help in increasing the production as well as generate employment opportunities for others.
While delivering the keynote address, the District Horticulture Officer, West Garo Hills, Tura Thera Ch Marak informed that the Tura Agri-Horticultural Society was formed in 1998 and the objective of the society is to promote and encourage the planting and preservation of trees, growing of fruits, vegetables and flowers, scientific maintenance of flower and kitchen gardens through various activities, such as planting and protection of trees, holding flower, vegetable and fruit shows, organizing seminars and technical sessions, recognizing individuals who have made noteworthy contributions in the concerned field through suitable Awards, etc. Further, she mentioned that the society organized flower shows in the earlier years of formation but, due to certain constraints it could not be held and now after five years this show is being held which would be made an annual event thereafter.
Research Officer, District Horticulture Office, Tura, E D Sangma, Secretary, Tura Agri-Horticulture Society, Witterson Arengh were among others who spoke on the occasion while Joint Director of Agriculture, B Sungoh, District Agriculture Officer, Tura Mariana Dkhar, District Agriculture Officer, South West Garo Hills, Ampati L Diengdoh, District Agriculture and Horticulture Officers from Garo Hills region, Officers from various departments and flower enthusiast including Agri-Horti farmers from the area attended the event.
Earlier, the Chief Guest Opened the Flower Show cum Exhibition put up at the venue which displayed Flower Show cum Exhibition in different categories such as Bougainvillea, Vegetable crops, Potted Flowers (both Perennial and Annual), Foliage, Cacti and Succulents, Bonsai, Orchid, Dry and Fresh Flower arrangement competitions including display of spices found in the area. Distinguished Panel of Judges comprising of the Retired Agriculture Officers and Flower Enthusiast of the region judged the huge array of flowers displayed at the venue. Varieties of flowers are also up for sale at the Flower show.
