Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 09 October 2025
An orientation programme on the Promotion of Floriculture with Special Focus on Tropical Cut Flowers was recently held at the Gram Panchayat Beodnabad. The event was jointly organized by the Zonal Agriculture Office, South Andaman, in association with the High Value Agriculture Development Agency (HVADA) under the Directorate of Agriculture.
Ms. Champa Das, Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti, Prothrapur, inaugurated the programme as the chief guest and lauded the Department of Agriculture for launching such a timely initiative aimed at empowering local farmers. In her address, she emphasized the vast potential of tropical floriculture in the islands and encouraged farmers to adopt high-value crops to enhance their income.
The programme focused on the cultivation, management, and market prospects of Heliconia and Alpinia species—tropical cut flowers that are gaining significant demand in national and international markets. Ms. Pitchammal Beevi, Assistant Director (Agriculture), elaborated on the suitability of these crops under island agro-climatic conditions, highlighting their adaptability and economic benefits.
Mr. V. Kumar, Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat Beodnabad, welcomed the initiative and noted that such programmes provide valuable livelihood opportunities for rural youth and farmers. He urged the farming community to make the most of the technical guidance and institutional support extended by the Agriculture Department.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from local farmers, SHG members, field staff, and Panchayat representatives. Informational pamphlets were distributed, followed by an interactive session where farmers shared their queries and suggestions. A total of 36 participants attended the programme, with 23 farmers enrolling to undertake Heliconia and Alpinia cultivation across approximately one hectare under the floriculture initiative.
