Eclectic Northeast – July 2019

16 │ │ July 2019

packages and holiday trips to

explore this extended orchid farm

of the State. ‘The famous ‘orchid’s

tour’ holiday extends up to Sikkim,

Bhutan, Nepal, China on one hand,

and Burma, Malayasia, Thailand

on the other. Many species are

also unique to Meghalaya. The

awesome orchids of Meghalaya

are colourful and have a striking

attraction, which is expected to

attract more tourists,’ shared CM

Conrad Sangma. A special natural

orchid habitat has been set up

in the orchidarium where large

varieties of orchids are displayed

to attract visitors.

One of the visitors, Jenny, who

visited the orchidarium on the

day of its inauguration expressed

her delight over having a new

tourist spot in the State. ‘This

orchidarium is very interesting

as it has become one of the tourist

spots. As Meghalaya is one of the

major tourist hubs in the country,

tourists will now get a chance

to visit the orchidarium, and

know more about the rich orchid

collection of the region. Because

of climate change, orchids are

reducing and such efforts can help

us protect the orchids.’

Chiang mentioned, ‘The

orchidarium will also be vital

in providing bio-based eco-

tourism in the State. The entire

Northeastern region is blessed

with more than 800 varieties of

orchids and the global demand

for orchids is increasing year after

year. It is expected to generate

employment and boost the

income of the small-scale flower

farmers along with tourism.’ In

order to enhance the growth of

eco-tourism, the Government of

Meghalaya along with IBSD, has

been working towards promoting

the same and encouraging the

educated unemployed youth,

Dignitaries laying the foundation stone of the orchidarium