Nagaland Blooms in Colour as ‘Colours of Spring’ Opens
Dimapur, February 20: Dimapur came alive with colour and fragrance on Thursday as the Dimapur District Ladies Club (DDLC) inaugurated the eighth edition of its flower show, “Colours of Spring,” at the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Centre (IBHIC).
The three-day exhibition, organised in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture and the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), has brought together flower enthusiasts, cultivators, entrepreneurs and visitors under one vibrant roof.
The venue was transformed into a visual celebration of nature, featuring orchids, bonsai, seasonal blooms and decorative foliage. Visitors were seen exploring the displays, appreciating the intricate care behind each plant while exchanging gardening tips and experiences.
Inaugurating the event, DDLC chief patron Kaisa Rio highlighted that floriculture is more than a pastime and holds significant potential as an economic activity in Nagaland, particularly for women and youth. She noted that the flower show serves as a valuable platform connecting growers directly with buyers while promoting creativity and sustainable livelihoods.
Rio emphasised that development should not be assessed solely through infrastructure growth, but also through skills, cultural enrichment and community bonding. Encouraging greater participation in gardening, she urged attendees to cherish and protect nature rather than merely utilise it.
Commissioner and Secretary for Horticulture, Akumla Chuba, described the event as a significant revival after a gap of 17 years. She stated that such platforms enable farmers, florists and entrepreneurs to reconnect, exchange knowledge and explore new opportunities in floriculture. She added that collective effort remains essential for sustained growth in the sector.
Adding to the momentum, IDAN Chairman Abu Metha announced plans to replicate Kohima’s Bloom Bazaar initiative in Dimapur in collaboration with local clubs. He further shared that steps are underway to establish a dedicated flower market in the state.
Metha also highlighted financial assistance available under the Chief Minister’s Microfinance Scheme, noting that IDAN continues to mentor entrepreneurs and growers. Soft loan facilities through Bank of Baroda and State Bank of India (SBI), along with the recent distribution of high-quality seeds and bulbs sourced from Europe, were also mentioned.
Associate Professor of Horticulture at Nagaland University, Dr. Rokolhuü Keditsu, encouraged cultivators to explore value-added avenues such as dried flower preservation, resin floral art and floral framing. He pointed out that Nagaland possesses rich natural raw materials that can be developed locally through collaboration and innovation.
The inaugural day concluded with flower and plant competitions across six categories, with prizes awarded to winners, adding a spirit of friendly competition to the celebration.
The exhibition will continue over the next two days, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty and business potential of floriculture in the state.