Thiruvananthapuram: India has to produce its own hybrid varieties of orchid if it is to make a mark in the international market for ornamental flowers, according to Martin Motes, noted orchid breeder, grower and author.

Addressing orchid farmers in the district at a function here on Tuesday, Dr. Motes said they stood to gain little by growing a few varieties from Thailand and Singapore.

Sheer determination and the courage exuded by unemployed local youths has transformed a hillock still frequented by wild animals into a mesmerizing and high-tech orchid garden which has thousands of orchids with high commercial value blooming now.

The first public lecture of the 5th International Canopy Conference, 2009 dwelt on the canopy forest and life on tree tops, here on Tuesday.

Sardar Asif Ahmed Ali, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission (PC) has said that Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (Parc) is playing a vital role in innovative agricultural research and lauded the efforts of agricultural scientists.

kadapa
March 24: Gales since the last two days damaged fruit gardens in the Kadapa district. Farmers suffered a loss to the tune of Rs 4 crore.
Fruit gardens, especially papaya and banana, in Kadapa, Rajampet, Kodur, Kamalapuram and various places in the district have been affected.

IMPHAL, Sept 8

IMPHAL, Sept 8