By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 9 Mar: Governor Baby Rani Maurya, inaugurated two days colours of spring at Raj Bhawan on Saturday. Amid the melodious music of traditional folk instruments, Governor Maurya, inaugurated the floral exhibition by cutting the ribbon and releasing colourful balloons. Governor launched the special cover of Spilanthes Acmella flower designed by the Postal Department on the occasion. The Governor also inaugurated the postal stamp exhibition of Dehradun Postal Circle. She viewed the various stalls of small industries, handicraft products along with flower pots. She also encouraged the farmers. Governor also felicitated the differently able children who participated in the painting competition. The exhibition will conclude on Sunday at 3:00 pm.
During the interaction with media the Governor said that promoting the local farmers towards floriculture was main objective of floral exhibition. Appreciating the exhibition she said that it seems that valley of flowers had incarnated in Dehradun. Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Subodh Uniyal was also present on the occasion.
During this Basntotsav 494 participants in cut flower (traditional), 99 participants in cut flower (non traditional), 24 participants in potted plant category, 31 participants in loose flower category, 54 participants in potted plant (non flower) category, 27 participants in cactus category, 17 participants in hanging pot category, 150 participants in on spot photography, 27 participants in fresh petal Rangoli, 808 participants in painting competition participated on the occasion.
It may be recalled that flower exhibition is being organized since 2003. Floral cultivation was being done on only 150 hectare before the constitution of Uttarakhand State. Now, floral cultivation is being done on 1533 hectare area in the state. Rose, marigold, polianthes tuberosa along with gerbera, carnation, gladiouls, lilium, acrid, are being cultivated commercially. Presently total 2539 metric ton loose flower and 15.50 crore cut flowers are being cultivated in the State.
