The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Of orchids and their blooming prospects

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Thursday, Apr 10, 2008
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Karnataka - Bangalore

Of orchids and their blooming prospects

Staff Reporter

Conference to focus on conservation

Bangalore: India is home to several hundred species of orchids, but we have not been able to exploit their potential fully. A three-day national conference on “Orchids: Science and Society” has been organised by Bangalore University’s Department of Botany, the Orchid Society of India and the Orchid Society of Karnataka, from April 10.

S.P. Vij, convener and secretary of the Orchid Society of India, told presspersons here on Wednesday that the conference would cover all aspects of biology, biotechnology, conservation and commerce of orchids. It will explore innovative ideas and technology to convert the country’s natural orchid wealth into a rewarding resource.

“Although around 1,300 species of orchids grow naturally in India, we have not been able to utilise the resource commercially. The area has vast potential and can generate employment,” he said.

As part of the conference, an orchid show has been organised, in which more than 30 stalls would be put up. “This is being done to create awareness among the public about the immense potential of these flowering plants. An on-the-spot painting competition will be organised for schoolchildren,” he said.

Prof. Vij said that the T.N. Khoshoo Memorial Lecture competition, carrying a cash prize of Rs. 25,000, a gold medal and a certificate, would be part of the conference. It will have seven technical sessions, in which policy makers, orchid growers and scientists would talk on biotechnology and conservation of orchids.

V.L. Chopra, member of the Planning Commission; Manju Sharma, former secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India; H.Y. Mohan Ram, scientist; and Deepak Pental, Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University, would be participating in the inaugural session.

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