Kaisa Rio, wife of the Nagaland Chief Minister, at the 8th ‘Colours of Spring’ flower show, on February 19, at the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Centre (IBHIC), Dimapur. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 19
Kaisa Rio, wife of the Nagaland Chief Minister, inaugurated the 8th ‘Colours of Spring’ flower show on February 19 at the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Centre (IBHIC), Dimapur. Organised by the Dimapur District Ladies Club (DDLC) in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture and the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), the event will conclude on February 21.
In her address, Rio said that the significance of the exhibition goes beyond aesthetic appreciation, stating that it creates a platform for plant enthusiasts to showcase innovation. She highlighted the sector's economic relevance for the state.
"Floriculture has immense potential in our state, not just as a hobby, but as a viable economic activity," Rio stated. She noted that with proper support, training, and market linkages, the sector can contribute a lot to income generation. “It creates opportunities for the growers to meet the buyers directly and promote sustainable livelihood,” she added, urging the gathering to view nature as something to “cherish and protect.”
IDAN Chairperson Abu Metha, also speaking at the inaugural programme, recognised the contributions of Naga women across various sectors in recent years in professions and sectors considered the bastion of men.
“Naga women are creative, they are innovative, they are ambitious, and I must say, in many, many areas, they are doing much, much better than the men,” Metha remarked. While many women are breaking out of gender stereotypes, he also admitted the prevalence of systemic challenges, stating that “domestic violence exists,” and said that traditional institutions must give greater recognition to women.
Focusing on entrepreneurship, Metha told the attendees that flower growers are eligible for financial assistance, including soft loans, under the Chief Minister’s Microfinance Scheme. He confirmed that IDAN maintains a dedicated cell to guide entrepreneurs through the application process.
Metha also discussed logistical support, mentioning plans to partner with local clubs to organise a “Bloom Bazaar” in Dimapur, similar to initiatives in Kohima. Expressing concern for vendors currently operating in difficult open-air conditions, he announced government intentions regarding infrastructure.
"We are trying to come up with a programme and a plan... where we can have a dedicated flower market here in Nagaland,” Metha said, adding that witnessing women selling produce on the ground in extreme heat “burns our heart.” He pledged continued government support for women entrepreneurs.
Nagaland University, Department of Horticulture Associate Professor Dr Rokolhuü Keditsu, one of the judges for the competition category observed that floral preservation is becoming an important subject and considering this she encouraged plant cultivators to learn resin floral art, dried flower framing, and preservation, noting that Northeast states are rich in raw materials for dry flowers.
She said that Nagaland’s rich plant and flower diversity can be tapped to create value-added products. While stating that 71 percent of India’s flower export market consists of dried flowers, she said that Nagaland leverage its raw materials to tap into this market by utilising resources effectively. She proposed collaborations between organisations like the DDLC, Nagaland University's Horticulture Department, and the state government to update floriculture enthusiasts on latest trends and activities, boosting commercial floriculture in Nagaland.
The event's first day showcased flower and plant competitions, announcing winners in six categories:
Foliage
- 1st- Ayongla
- 2nd- Kemhievonuo Keret
- 3rd- Visazono
- Consolation- Yanthunglo
Perenials
- 1st- Peninggaulie Phom
- 2nd- Neisanuo
- 3rd- Flower City
- Consolation- Yanthunglo
Cactus, Succulents and Euphorbia
- 1st- Neisanuo Aneyu
- 2nd- Chizou
- 3rd- Zetsilie
- Consolation- Avi Aye
Orchid
- 1st- Makhila
- 2nd- Makhila
- 3rd- Rüütono
- Consolation- Avi Aye
Annuals (seasonal flowers)
- 1st- Vetuyi
- 2nd- Suohienuo Keyho
- 3rd- Mete
- Consolation- Nouneguno
Bonsai
- 1st- Neisanuo Aneu
- 2nd- Mete
- 3rd- Flower City
- Consolation- Neisanuo Aneu
