High input horticulture takes root in Goa
VITHAL C NADKARNI
TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2003 02:02:49 AM ]

PANJIM: On an emerald green swath at Guirim off national highway 17, Mr Rozendo Mendoca has just planted a thousand orchids in a 100 sq-mt greenhouse.

The 57-year-old owner of Mr Farmer Nursery is among more than 30 horticulturists who’re all set to plant one lakh orchids and anthuriums in Goa by March 2004.

Mr Mendonca, who expects his foot-long dendrobiums to bloom in a riot of colour in six months, wants the orchid to supplement the cashew as Goa’s newest eco-friendly brand ambassador.

Says Goa’s Chief Secretary Dev Singh Negi, For its ‘orchid-anthu’ initiative, the Goa government has shifted its mind set from the use of existing technology, to promote high input, high income horticulture and floriculture in order to make our presence felt in the international market.’’

Today, the cut-flower culture has already created a great market for orchids and anthuriums because hotels and other commercial establishments prefer these long lasting flowers to conventional varieties like roses, dahlias and gladioli which wilt after a couple of days.