ICAR-NRC for Orchids-At a Glance

Abstract

Keeping in view the export potential of orchids, based on recommendations of the Planning Commission, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) established a National Research Centre for Orchids during VIII th Five Year Plan at Pakyong (Sikkim) in October 1996 in a area of 22.19 acres of land. In October, 1997, the centre also took over the Darjeeling centre of CPRI, Shimla. Since establishment the Centre created infrastructures and facilities for basic and strategic research. With a mission of harnessing science and technology by interfacing research, extension activities for enhancing qualitative productivity, outstanding hybrids and diversified use of orchids, the Centre has mandate to provide single window solution for all aspect of orchids and act as pioneer institute for research and development and a leadership at national arena. The Centre marched ahead to deliver its functions.

Introduction

Keeping in view the export potential of orchids, based on recommendations of the Planning Commission, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) established a National Research Centre for Orchids during VIII th Five Year Plan at Pakyong (Sikkim) in October 1996 in a area of 22.19 acres of land. In October, 1997, the centre also took over the Darjeeling centre of CPRI, Shimla. Since establishment the Centre created infrastructures and facilities for basic and strategic research.

With a mission of harnessing science and technology by interfacing research, extension activities for enhancing qualitative productivity, outstanding hybrids and diversified use of orchids, the Centre has mandate to provide single window solution for all aspect of orchids and act as pioneer institute for research and development and a leadership at national arena. The Centre marched ahead to deliver its functions.

• To undertake mission oriented programme involving basic and strategic research for resolving the major biotic and abiotic constraints affecting the production, productivity and utilization of Orchids.

• To act as repository of genetic resources and scientific information on orchids

• To demonstrate the improved technologies and impart training to orchid growers,

The centre has already made significant contribution with respect to collection of indigenous and exotic orchid germplasm, in vitro micro propagation and germination of immature embryos obtained after crossing. Various experiments on application of organic and inorganic fertilizer spray were carried out to optimize nutrient requirement and subsequently to reduce the pre-blooming period of Cymbidium orchids. Production technology for bulbous crops and other commercial orchids like Dendrobium, Vanda and Phalaenopsis has been standardized.

In order to undertake various research and development programme the following thrust areas have been identified.

1. Collection, maintenance, documentation and conservation of germplasm.

2. Morphological and molecular characterization of important germplasm to safeguard valuable indigenous generic resources.

3. Strategic development of new improved varieties with genetic potential, hybrids with high yield, quality and tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses.

4. Development of protocol for mass multiplication of improved varieties/hybrids and rare species.

5. Development of production technology for increasing productivity of new hybrids/varieties of commercial orchids.

6. Standardization of pre and post-harvest techniques for reducing the storage and transport losses and development of value added products [1].

7. Promotion of eco-friendly integrated disease and pest management programme.

8. Dissemination of technologies through vibrant training programme, demonstration, publication and mass media.

9. Preparation of data base of all indigenous orchids to strengthening the floricultural research information system with special reference to orchids.

10. Promoting the human resource development on relevant discipline [2].

Editors, Contributors and Speakers

Dr. D.R. Singh, Dr. L.C. De, Dr. D. Barman, Dr. S. Chakrabarti, Dr. R.G. Devadas, Dr. Rampal, Dr. Mridul Chakarbarti, Dr. Arpita Mandal Khan, Dr. Raj Kumar, Dr. Rumki Sangma and Dr. N. Sailo.

References

1. De LC, et al.Post-harvest physiology and Technology in Orchids. J Horticulture. 2014;1: 102.
2. De LC and Medhi RP . Orchid-A Diversified Component of Farming Systems for profitability and livelihood security. Agrotechnology. 2014; 2:4.