Goa’s dendrobium variant of orchids are set to take the international stage in the near future with it being exported to Dubai by the Directorate of Agriculture in Goa. The state annually produces approximately 20-25 lakh stalks of orchids despite the presence of mere ten polyhouses throughout the state.
The assistant Director of Agriculture, horticulture, Dattaprasad Desai stated that they aimed to export samples of the dendrobium variant of orchids to Dubai by September. He also believes that the meeting that followed this decision will focus on implementing and initiating a plan of action that will ensure the quality of orchids being exported maintain the international standard, within the following two months.
The monsoon season profoundly impacts the orchid production. In the past approximately 14-15 flowers were yielded per stalk however with the current gray skies in the state, a decrease in orchid production has been noticed. However the conditions are said to improve by September with the expected reduction in rainfall.
The officials are hopeful with regards to the international marketing of the dendrobium variant of orchids and are enthusiastic about its global success. The agriculture department is also optimistic about an increase in the demand for additional variants like mokara that are currently being produced on a smaller scale,due to the current progress in establishing Goa as an essential candidate in the floriculture industry.
The Covid-19 lockdown along with the Cyclone Tauktae led to a massive set back in establishing Goa as the ‘orchid hub of India’. Orchid farmers in Sanguem and Canacona in the past decade have displayed immense potential for driving the state towards global success and are working towards overcoming the negative impacts that the Covid-19 lockdown and Cyclone Tauktae brought about.
Desai also stated that Goa as a state has the ideal climate required for orchid production, due to the humidity present in the air all throughout the year. He also believes that Goa may emerge as a dominant player in the floriculture industry due to its game changing potential.
