By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 1: Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh promoting the potential of floriculture and citing a connection between tourism and floriculture on Wednesday said, “Initiatives like the Floriculture Development Scheme and the Prime Scheme bolster commercial floriculture and market-driven enterprises, benefiting both men and women.”
Lyngdoh was speaking at the two-day ‘Stakeholder consultation workshop on unlocking opportunities in Meghalaya’ with a special focus on floriculture, at the Courtyard by Marriott.
Lyngdoh further added that the state government is actively seeking funding and exploring the synergy between tourism and floriculture in a bid to promote horticulture and create employment opportunities beyond the public sector.
She also informed that the state government has launched 14 horti-hubs and it is witnessing promising initiatives by farmer producer groups in Umsning and other places.
The two-day stakeholder consultation workshop aimed to motivate the farmers to ensure that their products meet national and international standards.
The workshop was attended by participants across the country, entrepreneurs, experts; florists actively shared their insights and expertise, identifying critical areas for growth.
Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Isawanda Laloo, who was also in attendance, mentioned that India only contributes to 0.6% of the global floriculture market, while emphasising that Meghalaya, therefore, has immense potential to contribute the supply of flowers not only regionally or nationally but also to the international market.
The workshop concluded by outlining a strategic roadmap for unlocking the potential of Meghalaya’s floriculture industry, incorporating ideas and discussions.