SHILLONG: Forest and Environment Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui has suggested the need to carry out research on flower species unique to Meghalaya.
Speaking at the concluding function of the Cherry Blossom Festival at 5th Ground, Polo here on Saturday, Rymbui also said the state can also promote other flower species during the festival.
Suggesting that in the years to come, the government can consider hosting the festival in places where these flowers are grown, he opined that the state can tie up with citizens to allow them to host the festival in premises where flowers of various kinds are grown in abundant.
“Citizens should not hesitate to join hands with the government in taking this festival to a height in the coming years,” he stated.
Stating that festivals are a way of connecting the region to other parts of the country and abroad, Rymbui said that the festival also created an opportunity for cultural exchange between Japan and the North Eastern region adding that it has also given a boost to the state tourism sector.
Earlier, Director, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Government of India, Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo expressed satisfaction that the festival has received an overwhelming response from the people this year.
He also said that they will organise the festival on a larger scale in the coming years. The education minister also distributed prizes to the winners of the various competitions.
The programme was also attended by representatives from the Embassy of Japan in India among others.
