India: 13 orchid hybrids approved

The State Variety Release Committee (SVRC) of Sikkim approved the release of 13 orchid hybrids developed by the ICAR–National Research Centre for Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim, during its meeting at ICAR–National Research Centre for Orchids (ICAR-NRCO), Pakyong, Sikkim.

The 13 hybrids include 9 Cymbidium hybrids with larger flowers, improved color, and longer vaselife. The released hybrids are ‘NRCO Cym 6′, NRCO Cym 15’, ‘NRCO Cym 19′, NRCO Cym 23’, ‘NRCO Cym 40′, NRCO Cym 84’, ‘NRCO Cym 91′, NRCO Cym 101’, ‘NRCO Cym 119’; and 4 Paphiopedilum hybrids included ‘NRCO Paph 33’, ‘NRCO Paph 77’, ‘NRCO Paph VC I’, ‘NRCO Paph VC II’ with highly attractive and distinct floral characters.

The meeting was chaired by Shri Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary (Agriculture& Horticulture), Government of Sikkim, and Chairman of the SVRC. He commended ICAR-NRCO for its efforts in developing new orchid hybrids and emphasized the importance of their commercial value. Dr. S. Anbalagan, IFS, Secretary (Agriculture), Government of Sikkim, and CEO (SOFDA), also appreciated the significant efforts involved in the development of these promising hybrids.

Shri T. T. Bhutia, Principal Director & Secretary (Horticulture), Government of Sikkim appreciated the uniqueness of the hybrids. Dr. S. P. Das, Director, ICAR-NRCO, presented the background, key characteristics, and distinct features of the proposed orchid hybrids, followed by a fruitful discussion on their utilization.

Members of the SVRC, including Shri B. L. Dahal, Principal Director of Horticulture; Additional Directors Ms. Kesang Lachungpa (Floriculture), Ms. Pema Choden Bhutia (Horticulture); and Shri Tshering Chophel Bhutia (Agriculture and Horticulture, Pakyong district). Other distinguished participants included Special Secretary, Information and Public Relations Department, District Information Officer, Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Sikkim, Doordarshan, CEO of FPOs, Joint Director, Education Department, Progressive farmers, Dr. Ramgopal Devadas, Principal Scientist (GPB), ICAR-RC NEH, Sikkim Centre; scientists of ICAR-NRCO actively participated in discussion. The SVRC meeting was followed by an interface meeting with State Horticulture Department.

For more information:
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
www.icar.org.in/