Officials along with the participants during a training programme on “Commercial Cut Flower Production under Protected Cultivation” held in Medziphema on September 22.
Medziphema, September 24 (MExN): The Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH) Medziphema conducted a two-day training programme on “Commercial Cut Flower Production under Protected Cultivation” on September 21 and 22. Held under the guidance of CIH Director Dr R L Raut, the initiative brought together 25 flower growers from various villages across Nagaland to strengthen the state's commercial floriculture sector.
Covering the complete value chain, the programme began with technical sessions on protected cultivation structures, environmental controls, essential equipment, and commercial production technologies for gerbera, rose, and carnation, delivered by training organizer and Technical Consultant Arvind Singh.
Additional expert sessions featured Senior Farm Manager Rupom K Dutta, who highlighted the scope and potential of commercial cut flowers in the North Eastern Region; Senior Technical Assistant Aman Thakur, who addressed integrated pest and disease management; and Horticulture Specialist A K Singh, who guided participants through planting material selection, bed preparation, and nutrient management.
The second day focused on post-production, economics, and specialized crop management. Post-Harvest Technologist Dr Suman Soni led sessions on harvesting standards, grading, post-harvest handling, packaging, and marketing strategies. Marketing Specialist Prabin Das guided participants through floriculture entrepreneurship, focusing on production economics, market linkages, government welfare schemes, and business plan development. Senior Technical Assistant Anannya Susan wrapped up the technical modules by presenting comprehensive commercial production practices for chrysanthemum.
The technical learning was followed by a practical exposure visit to CIH’s protected cultivation units, where participants received hands-on demonstrations on scientific flower production and crop management practices.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer and feedback session, followed by a valedictory function. During the event, CIH Director Dr R L Raut distributed certificates to the participants and encouraged them to apply the technical knowledge gained to establish commercially viable floriculture enterprises and adopt scientific production practices for sustainable income generation.
