Progress in the flower sector has taken a huge heap in Nagaland. Nagaland produces a big amount of quality roses, which are used for commercial purposes in the state and for export trade too. The state is now firmly on the map of international floriculture.

With 16 Self Help Groups undertaking rose cultivation projects under the Department of Horticulture, Nagaland has produced 12 lakhs stem of cut roses till now. The department has a target to produce 35-36 lakhs stems of cut roses by 2008. With the policy of the Department to stick to good quality in any floriculture activity, all planted materials are being imported from Holland, Spain etc, while poly houses and irrigation materials are sourced from Israel. This floral cultivation has also served as a source of employment for many youths since the introduction of commercial floriculture.

Talking to beneficiaries at a rose cultivation training held at Zubza, Wednesday last, Director of Horticulture Rongsentemjen assured that programmes would be implemented by the department to uplift the economy. He further urged the beneficiaries to sincerely work on their cultivation so as to elevate the state in floriculture.

Joint Director of Horticulture, Watienla Jamir commented that the department believed in “holding the hands of the labourers” in maintenance, post harvest management, harvesting, etc. She said that one has to be fully dedication to nurture the flower. Stating that the roses grown in Nagaland were of good quality, with adequate bud size and stem length, Watienla Jamir said Naga roses have made its name in the global market.

Implemented by the Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland, the cultivation of flowers on commercial scale started from the year 2004-05. The Department also signed a Memorandum of Understandings with two internationally renowned flower companies of India. The state has been acclaimed with many awards in the floriculture sector.