Participating in a one-day workshop-cum-training on “Protected cultivation of Anthurium and lilium” as chief guest, Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Pradeep Maharathy appreciated the efforts of the OUAT in focusing on technology development for cultivation of high value flowers like Anthurium and lilium in the State.
Odisha has emerged as a major player in cut flower production in Indian floricultural industry and jumped to third position from 8th during last three years, said Maharathy.
The workshop was organised by the Department of Floriculture and landscaping, College of Agriculture, OUAT on March 14. The training was conducted to transfer the technology generated after successful research work carried out by HOD, Department of Floriculture and landscaping Dr Sashikala Beura under “RKVY project on Anthurium and lilium”.
Director of Horticulture Srikant Prusty suggested to intensify technology promotion in different parts of the State with formation of farmers producers organization and better utilizing the support of MIDH.
Presiding over the inaugural function, OUAT VC Prof Surendranath Pasupalak placed a critical appraisal of high end technologies being used in production of Anthurium and lilium.
Among other dignitaries, Prof PN Jagadev, Dean of Research and Prof lM Garnayak were present.
Dr Beura presented a detailed account of research made in screening suitable varieties, developing appropriate planting time and production practices.
In the technical sessions, detail production practices, management of protected structures, input and market facilitations were discussed.
More than 150 participants covering farmers from different parts of the State, scientists from KVKs, faculties and retired professors attended.