PRESERVATION AND POTENTIALITIES OF ORCHID MARKETING

IN THE DISTRICT OF TINSUKIA

INTRODUCTION:
The present market for flowers has witnessed an ever-increasing trend. The present global market

for floriculture produces like cut flowers, potted flowers, dry flowers, flower seeds, flower plants, etc.

is around US$ 11billion involving more than 140 countries.

India’s contribution in the global floriculture market is quite negligible and accounts for less than

0.5% of the total market share. Of late however, floriculture is picking up as an industry in India also,

with a market export of Rs. 448 crore in 2007-08. The domestic market for flowers has also marked an

impressive growth. Within two years, the domestic flower market has shot upto Rs.1500 crore in the

year 2007-08 from Rs. 1000 crore in 2005-06. The growth in floriculture cultivation has been

phenomenal in the last decade or so and the area under flower cultivation has doubled from 53,000

hectares (1993-94) to 103,000 hectares (2001-02).

Amongst various flower crops like roses, gerbera, gladiolus, carnation, etc., orchids command

high value and great demand in the global market involving multi-million dollar business.

Orchids are among the most beautiful flowers on earth that has attracted human beings through

the ages. Attractive shapes, colours and long lasting characteristic of the flowers have made it one of

the most demanded and valued cut-flower. Today, orchids play a major role in the development of cut-

flower industry in the world.

In India, 1195 orchid species are found (Singh, Phukan and Bujor Baruah, 2001) out of which

870 species (i.e.72.4 %) are found alone in the Eastern Himalayan Region. The North-eastern States,

which nestle in this region accounts for 825 orchid species (‘Khabor’, May 23, 2008, Friday) of which

almost one-third are endemic in nature. Assam accounts for 257orchid species, Nagaland 246 species,

Mizoram 234 species, Manipur 215 species, Tripura 57 species, and Sikkim accounts for 543 orchid

species. However, Arunachal Pradesh alone accounts for 552 orchid species, thus making the state an

“Orchid Paradise” of the country (Dr.Rajib Gogoi, “Prantik”, April, 2008, p-27). Many species of

Dendrobium, Aerides, Cymbidium, Anthurium, Vanda, etc. with high commercial values in the global

market are found in their natural habitat. The climatic conditions in the northeast are ideal for the
cultivation of orchids. Exotic species bloom in profusion in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.

GEOGROPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF ORCHIDS IN INDIA:

India is considered as one of the Mega Biodiversity regions in the world with two major
Biodiversity Hot spots – The Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats. These Hots spots are
known for the rich occurrence of diverse fauna and flora – especially the Orchids. Out of 1195
species recorded from India, Eastern Himalayas covering eight Northeastern States contribute
maximum diversity with about 839 species in 144 genera (Hegde 2005) and the Western Ghat
regions covering four States contribute about 283 species in 76 genera (Ananda Rao 1998, Manilal
& Sathish Kumar 2004). Broadly, the orchid distribution in India can be categorised as follows:
1. The Himalayan Region
2. The Peninsular Region, and
3. The Anadaman and Nicobar Islands Region.
The North Eastern Region of India lies between 22°N and 29°5 N latitude and 88°00E and
97°30E longitude, and share international border with Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, China and
Nepal. The region is geographical ‘gateway' much of India’s flora and fauna, and as a result the
region is one of the richest in biological values with vegetation types ranging from Tropical rain
forest in the foothills to alpine meadows and cold deserts. The North East Region of India contains
more than one-third of the country’s total biodiversity. The region falls under the Indo-Burma
hotspot, one of the 25 global biodiversity hot spot of the world. Orchids, which grow in abundance
form important part of the vegetation.

ORCHIDS - AN INTRODUCTION:
Orchidaceae, also called the Orchid Family, is the largest family of the
flowering plants with about 880 genera (a group of silmilar plants usually
containing a several species) and nearly 22000 accepted species according to
the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew. However, the exact number of species is
unknown because of taxonomy (scientific classification) disputes.
The word “Orchid” is derived from the Greek word ‘Orchis’ because of the resemblance of
the shape of the root tubers in some species of orchids with that of masculin anatomy (testies). Due
to this resemblance it was also believed that consuming the roots of these plants can arouse sexual
desire and may beget male children.

ORCHIDS - HABIT AND HABITAT:

Orchids are perennial herbs with simple leaves which may be solitary, paired or clustered all
along the stem. A perennial plant is a plant that leaves for more than two years. They grow and
bloom over the spring and summer and then die back every winter, growing back in spring
fromtheir root-stock rather than seeding themselves.
Orchids can be divided into two groups:- monopodial and sympodial depending upon their
habit of growth. Monopondial orchids have a main stem, and sympodial orchids have many stems.
Orchids usually have fleshy or swollen stems called pseudobulbs.
If differentiated according to their growth form, orchids can be classified under the
following heads:
a) Terrestrial Orchids: The leafy orchids that grow on ground in humus (rich dark organic
material in soil formed by decay of dead leaves are terrestrial in nature).

b) Epiphytic Orchids: Epiphytic Orchids grow attached to the bark of a shrub or tree trunks.
They are either pendolous(hanging loosely), erect growing, sympodial or monopodial, but always
having aerial roots.
A great majority of economically important orchids for cut-flowers and potted plants are
epiphytic in origin.

c) Saprophytes Orchids: Some orchids grow on decaying organic matters on the forest floor
having no leaves and without chlorophyl (green colouring matter in plants), but produce variously
coloured flowers. These are saprophytes orchids.

d) Epilithic/ Lithopythic Orchids: These type of orchids grow on rocks.

USES OF ORCHIDS:
Orchids are well known for their ornamental values worldwide. The range of diversity in the
form of flower colour, size, shape and long vase life helped these exquisite flowers to be one of the
leading cut flowers at the global level. But apart from their ornamental values, orchids are also
valued for some other uses about which common men are not aware of. Following are some uses of
orchids:
1. Orchids are known for their high ornamental values. With its huge market demand,
bundled with better growing technology and large selection of year round blooming orchids, the
orchid plant has emerged as the number one floral product.

2. Vanilla which is a flavouring agent, is obtained from the seed pod of several species of
the genus vanilla which has high international value.

3. Salep (the dried ground tubers of various orchids used as food and formerly in medicine)
from orchid tubers has been used for centuries as emollient (a substance that softens or soothes
something, especially the skin), demulcent (a substance that is used to soothe irritated or inflamed
skin or internal parts of the nose, mouth, or throat), and as aphrodisiac (something that arouses or
intensifies sexual desire).

4. Sap (a watery liquid containing mineral salts, sugars, and other nutrients that circulates
through the conducting tissues of a plant) of some of the species is supposed to be highly styptic
(able to stop bleeding).

5. Case studies revealed that orchids possess medicinal properties. Tribes like
Kondareddies, Koyas, Valmikis, Nukadoras, Yanadis, etc. used fresh rhizomes (underground stem)
and roots to cure human and veterinery diseases.
Many Chinese traditional herbal medicines use orchid parts to prepare medicine for the
treatment of dycentry, gastrointestinal disorder, malaria, ringworm, tumers,etc.
 6. Lastly, mention must be made about the fungistatic (a substance that inhibits the growth
of fungi without killing them) compounds called “Phytoalexins” which were first discovered in
orchids, these are naturally produced fungicides by plants in response to fungal insfection.

THE INDIAN ORCHID MARKET:

The orchid industry has undergone a great deal of change in this decade. With its huge
market demand and high value, the orchid plant has emerged as the number one floral product.
Although the global demand for orchid is very high, in India orchid cut-flowers are however
minimum and the least. Sikkim, West Bengal (Darjeeling & Kalimpong) and Kerala are the leading
States in India for Orchid cut-flower production. The North-eastern states which accounts for
nearly 800 orchid species could not yet utilize its potentials. Of late however, the Government of
India is evincing interest in promoting orchids in the suitable agro climatic areas especially in
North-eastern States and Coastal and Western Ghat regions. Similarly, under Floriculture
Technology Mission of GOI, National Horticulture Board, APEDA and NABARD is providing
incentives and assistance to the entrepreneurs and farmers by way of supply of quality planting
materials, establishment of tissue culture units, subsidies for farm development, irrigation and
green house facilities, etc which the interested farmers may avail to develop orchid cut-flower
production and trade.

Although, the present market for orchid flowers in India is low in comparison to other
flower crops but it holds high potentials. Heavy demand for orchids in the international market can
help the country earn a huge amount of foreign exchange. If properly planned, orchid business can
help improve the unemployment problem, specially in the northeastern states which is the natural
habitat of orchids. Proper R & D activities in developing hybrid varities of orchid which have the
advantage of longer life span, high productivity and greater market value which may range from
Rs 1,000-1,500 for a mature flowering plant can contribute a lot towards improving the earnings of
the people of the region. A little push, like transportation subsidy and similar other sops can trigger
an orchid revolution.

THE NEED FOR PRESERVATION OF ORCHIDS:

Due to the growing demands of orchids in both the national and international market it is
learnt from various sources that a grey market for orchids exist in the north-eastern region,
especially in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The smugglers acquire orchids from the villagers who
live adjacent to the forests at a price that is very negligible. Reports in the local newspapers have
revealed that the villagers sell these valuable orchids at a price as low as Rs.10/- per kilogram. This
type of illegal smuggling of orchid would surely possess a great threat on the existence of
indigenous breeds of orchids in days to come. The government as well as non-governmental
organisations has to keep a strict vigilance on this type of illegal activities and punish those who
are associated with this type of illegal trade.

The government of India has also enforced a law in order to prevent this type of illegal trade
and practices. The trade of orchid is restricted under “The Wildlife Protection Act,1972”, the
particulars of which are shown below:

The trade of orchids under the Willdlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is restricted as under:

1. No wild collected orchids are allowed for trade.

2. All orchids meant for trade must be nursery grown and a declaration
to that effect must be made by the individual nursery man, or grower and
submit the list of orchids grown by him to the Regional Deputy Director,
Wildlife Preservation, of Kolkata, through the Chief Wildlife Warden of
the State.

3. The nursery will be jointly inspected by the Regional Deputy

Director and the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state and the list of plants
will be varified in the nursery.

4. Legal Procurement Certificate should be obtained from the Chief

Wildlife Warden for any orchid to be sold and exported.

5.The nursery-man is required to submit a quarterly return of receipts

and disposal of orchids/ plants to the Plant Preservation Office regularly.
6. Based on the joint inspection report, his nursery will be
registered for trade- domestic and foreign.

7. If any consignment is to be exported CITES and quarantine

(isolation imposed on those who have been exposed to an infectious disease)
inspection will be done jointly at the port of dispatch and sealed before
dispatch. Only thereafter CITES and quarantine documents will be issued.
 8. The Orchids listed on Appendix-I include, Cattleya sinneri,
Cattleya triannae, Didiciea cuninghamii, Laelia jongheana, laelia lobata,
lycaste virginalis, paphiopedilum- all species Renanthera imschootiana &
Vanda Coerulea. All other species are on Appendix II . In the recent CITES
conference in Japan ( 1993) , certain changes have been effected Prime
among them is the exclusion of Appendix-I flasked Orchid seedlings from
control, , Hence flaked seedling of Orchids can now be exported without “
CITES” certificate and inspection which is subject to ratification by
Government of India and the same is awaited.

Source:Official webcite of Government of Arunachal Pradesh

SUGGESTIONS FOR PRESERVING ORCHIDS:

1. In order to stop illegal orchid trade the utmost task on the part of the government as well
as the non-governmantal organisations would be to educate the people in creating awareness
among them regarding orchids in terms of their economic value and environmental significance.

2. Recently the Government of Assam declared the establishment of an orchid bank in the
district of Jorhat. Similar initiatives in establishing such orchid banks in other part of the state
would surely help in identifying and preserving the endemic as well as locally available orchids of
the region.

3. Commercialising orchid cultivation would also help in preservation of different

endangered as well endamic orchid species.

4. The goverment as well as N.G.Os should keep strict vigilance and punish those who are
associated with illegal orchid trade

5. Literary works on orchids from the region is very negligiable. Books depicting the
richness of the region in terms of orchids accompanied with beautiful illustrations and photographs
that can guide researchers and growers in identifying the different species, their characteristics as
well as habitats is the need of the hour. Reputed publishers should take this matter seriously and
should come up to encourage the researchers to publish books on this topic.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PROMOTING ORCHID MARKETING:
1. It is very important to make the people of the region aware of the orchids and their
products. With awareness people will come to know that cultivation of orchids is not as tough as it
seems. Awareness creates eagerness and thus contribute towards increase in demand for these
products.

2. The government should take initiatives in creating awareness. One way of doing this is
through organising extensive promotional campaign. Publishing hoardings, posters, banners, etc.
depicting the rich varities of orchids of the region would surely attract the interest of the masses.

3. Institutions like APEDA, NABARD, DICC, etc. should take initiatives in encouraging the
upcoming entrepreneurs to take up orchid cultivation on a commercial scale. Facilities including
financial assistance as well as technical know-how should be imparted to the potential
entrepreneurs so that more and more youngstars get interested in this business.

4. Educational institutions like IIE, Universities, etc. can play a vital role in developing
entrepreneurial/ marketing skills among the young orchid growers of the region so that these skills
with experience becomes vital tools for development in future.

5. The government of Arunachal Pradesh organizes ‘Orchid Festival’ every year to promote
awareness among the people and also to encourage the youths to take up orchid cultivation as a
profitable business. This festival also attracts many tourist from outside both indians and
foreigners. This also helps the state government to earn a good amount of tourist revenues. The
government of other northeastern states can also showcase its rich orchid culture before the world
arena by organising similar events in line with other tourism activities like adventure tourism, eco-
tourism, tea-tourism, nature tourism,etc.

6. With the development in communication specially with the coming up of internet,

accessibility to the world market has become quite easy. The growers of the region can take this
advantage by developing their own websites showcasing their products in the global market. If
necessary, institutions like DICC, APEDA, NABARD, NEC, etc. should provide assistance to these
growers in accessing the world market by providing necessary guidance and know-how.

7. NGOs can play an important role in developing awareness about orchids among the
people of the region. Their are a few NGOs (like ‘IRAB-KIRAB’) in the region that has been
working sincerely to promote awareness through organising various seminars and campaigns.
However, they can play a more significant role by acting as a linkage between the growers and the
governmental/financial institutions and providing/sharing information regarding various terms and
conditions, documentations associated with availing financial assistance, promotion, trade, etc.

8. Formal training on orchid cultivation on a commercial scale to the growers by

governmental and Non-governmental institutions would surely increase the productivity as well as
quality of their products.

9. Hybrid orchids have very high demand in the global market. Every year hundreds of new
hybrids are developed through out the world. But in northeast India, inspite of availability of
different orchid species, cultivation and development of hybrid orchids is very negligiable. This is
mainly due to the absence of proper infrastructure and knowledge. Emphasis in these areas can
play a vital role in opening up of new avenues for the orchid growers of the region.

CONCLUSION:
Orchids are a thing of beauty and joy to the onlooker and also to the grower. Northeast India
is indeed blessed with these exquisitely beautiful flowering plants in abundance. The lush green
luxuriant forests right from the basins of great Brahmaputra and Barak Rivers to the high mountain
peaks clad with fog, cloud and snow all around are the real treasure houses of the flowering gems-
the ORCHIDS.
Northeast Region having variety of ornamental orchids has great potentials in orchid trade
industry. Various ornamental orchid plants that have high demand in the global market are found in
abundance in this part of the country. In fact, orchid growing can be developed as a cottage
industry in this region.
 Orchids can play a major role in improving the economic condition of the Northeast as a
whole and Assam in particular. It can contribute a lot towards improving the unemployment
scenario of the region. No doubt, cut –flower production in the farm is the first and foremost
economic activity that can be developed in Northeast Region, but orchid cultivation can be
beneficial in terms of tourism also. Opening orchid sanctuary would not only attract tourists but
would also help in the conservation of these beautiful flowers. Further, there are orchid flowers that
give scent (e.g. Satyrium nepalense, Aerides odoratum, and Cymbidium munronianum) which
could be extracted and sold. Therefore it is our duty to make the people aware of these flowers and
promote commercial cultivation so that upcoming entrepreneurs venture into this profitable
business. This would not only help them earn more but would also contribute towards improving
the economic scenario of the region and make northeast a “orchid destination” of the country.