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KOHIMA — In an attempt to boost floriculture in Nagaland, the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) is organising "Bloom Bazaar" every Friday and Saturday at The Heritage, Kohima, starting from September 29.
Informing this during a press conference on Thursday, the chairman of IDAN and advisor to the Chief Minister, Abu Metha, said the floriculture sector is a booming sector in Nagaland but it is not coming to the front like other sectors.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Metha said Nagas have an inherent passion for growing flowers, especially among women and mothers. Sensing this, the IDAN did a research on entrepreneurs in the flower industry, its scope and ways to improvise this sector. It was found out there is no organised system to promote floriculture in the state despite the efforts made by flower growers . The matter was discussed with the chief minister and it was felt a start should be made somewhere, Metha said.
The bazaar will take place on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 noon to 7 pm. It not only accommodate the flower entrepreneurs but also serve as a platform for other entrepreneurs.
A total of 45 stalls for flowers, fashion, jewellery, kids-related items etc., have been set up.
There will also be musical events and art galleries to provide a platform to young entrepreneurs, Metha said.
A total of 15 government departments and agencies will participate in the bazaar, informed the IDAN chairman, adding that it will look at the possibility of setting up permanent flower markets in the future.
Metha also announced that with the support and in partnership with the North East Small Finance Bank, Bank of Baroda and Nagaland Rural Bank, the IDAN will launch floriculture schemes where flower growers can apply for loans.
“The scheme is to upscale the flower industry so that this industry can boost the state economy. There are hundreds of people who are passionate about growing flowers, so we want to enhance their best practices,” he said, and expressed hope that this sector will make a mark in both the national and international levels.
The IDAN is also conducting studies to collaborate with national and international platforms where quality flower seeds can be sourced.
A conservative study by the IDAN indicated that Bloom Bazaar can generate 450 weekend employment opportunities and 300 permanent employment opportunities. The State Government has sanctioned INR 48 lakh for the Bloom Bazaar, he informed.
Registration for entrepreneurs is priced at INR 500 for two days while entry fee for public is fixed at INR 30 for adults and INR 10 for children. The Bloom Bazaar will be ceremonially launched on Friday and officially launched by the chief minister on Saturday.