The Nilgiris : The five-day spectacular '123rd Flower Show' in Ooty came to an end today leaving the tourists witness breath-taking floral decorations at Ooty's botanical garden.
The Nilgiris : The five-day spectacular '123rd Flower Show' in Ooty came to an end today leaving the tourists witness breath-taking floral decorations at Ooty's botanical garden.
Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Tamil Nadu participated as chief guest at the valedictory function and addressed the gathering. He appreciated all the 699 prize winners who have been honoured at this flower show competition. He extended his wishes and greetings to the district administration and the State department of Horticulture who have organised the flower show with great care and attention.
In his speech, the Governor praised the efforts of the Nilgiris Horticultural Department and remarked it to be a diamond that shines forth in the decorated gold crown of the State’s horticultural activities.
"This unique flower show which is being organised from 1896 onwards enjoys international recognition for its antiquity and stature. Various kinds of tropical, temperate vegetables, floral decorations, Indian and exotic flower arrangements, vegetable carvings flower rangoli, bonsai etc. form some of the major attractions for the visiting tourist."
"Be it the Chelsea Flower Show of England or the Portland Rose Festival of Oregon or other global flower shows, the exotic and indigenous flowers are obtained from several sources and displayed. In this scenario, what makes the Ooty flower show unique and special is the high level of local public participation that is encouraged in the preparation of the flowering plants and their display", noted the Governor.
"This show ropes in Estate Gardens, Private Cottage Gardens, Public Gardens and the common public for obtaining the exhibits. Thousands of households are engaged in the preparation of potted flowers plants every year for this flower show competition. Around 30,000 potted flower plants were on display", he said.
The Governor also apprised that Tamil Nadu is among the leading Horticultural States of India, contributing 5.88% towards National Horticulture Production. It accounts for nearly 6.5% of the country’s production of fruits and for 19% of the flowers produced in India.
It is heartening to see that the increasing interest in horticulture among farmers is resulting in a 10% growth in the area under horticultural crops year after year.
The Governor also briefed on “Per Drop More Crop” component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) with a subsidy sharing pattern of 60:40 between the Central and State. "Tamil Nadu is the only state in the country extending 100% subsidy to Small and Marginal farmers and 75% subsidy to other category farmers", he said.
"The National Horticulture Mission which is focused on holistic development of Horticulture is another noteworthy scheme which aims to increase the production and productivity of crops by adopting innovative strategies.
The scheme is implemented in 22 districts of TN including the Nilgiris and has an annual outlay of about Rs.175 crores..Under the National Horticulture Mission scheme a Centre of Excellence for cut flowers at Thally, Krishnagiri district has been established at a project cost of Rs.8.80 crore. Action is being taken to establish a Centre of Excellence for Hilly vegetables in Nanjanadu in the Nilgiris", the Governor assured.
He also requested the farmers to fully utilise the benefits under the various schemes, so as to increase production, reduce costs and thereby enhance their earnings.
The Governor also recalled the Love for flowers among people and how flowers have always enjoyed a special place in the hearts of the people of our state. He also cited the Sangam Tamil literature which makes a mention of the three powerful kingdoms of TN each with their flag, emblems and flowers. Thus, the Pandya kings wore Neem flower garlands, the Chera kings Palmyra flower garlands and the Cholas flower garlands of the fig tree.
He also appreciated the sound and light show in the evening during the five days of the Flower Show depicting the significance of the various flowers of TN and their association with Tamil culture and literature.
On this occasion, Gagandeep Singh Bedi, I.A.S., Agricultural Production Commissioner and Principal Secretary to Government, Dr.N.Subbaiyan, I.A.S., Director of Horticulture and Plantation Crops,. J.Innocent Divya, I.A.S., District Collector, Nilgiris, D. Shanmuga Priya, Superintendent of Police,. P. Selvaraj, DRO, Sivasubramaniam Samraj, Joint Director of Horticulture and other dignitaries participated.