Kohima, Jan. 6: Moving on the path of self reliance, Nagaland is all set to have a rosy future with the success of rose farming in the state and annual sales turn over in 2008 standing at of crores of rupees.

Flowers like Lilium, Anthurium, Roses, dry flowers and Birds of Paradise recorded a gross turnover of rupees eleven crores, thirty four lakhs forty three thousand (Rs. 11,34,43,000) during the year 2004-05 to 2007-08.

Commercial rose cultivation was first introduced at Yisemyong village under Mokokchung District by the state government in 2004-05 on experimental basis. Seeing the positive outcome and the potential of rose cultivation, so far 35 units of green house spread over more than 500 square metres of land have been set up under active guidance of the state Department of Horticulture and technical know how of companies like Zopar Private Limited and Florance Flora.

Roses, anthuriums, lilium have found a place in the international market with consignments going to the metro cities and Dubai

The latest materials for cultivation are brought from Holland and Israel with a strict compliance to quality.

Watienla Jamir, Joint Director of Horticulture, says that the Yisemyong project served as an eye opener and model for entrepreneurs.

She also said that 20 SHGs are involved in the process and the income regenerated has been a great boost for them, adding that about 12 lakh stems have been cut till 2008.

The state government has also given a directive to all government departments to display freshly cut flowers in the office premises in a first of its kind venture in the country.

Talking on this line, she appreciated the government directive and said that Nagaland has a rosy future and found place in the international map of floriculture, becoming the main economic mainstay of Nagaland.

Yachübeiu says she was introduced to rose cultivation through the department and I am doing a project in Nerhema village.

"I got the first harvest a few months back and weekly I am getting at least 1000 roses from one unit," she adds.

"The state government directive to display roses is a good encouragement to us beneficiaries, and I believe it would rope in good money and promote rose cultivation. An idle mind promotes anti-social activities and ill thoughts. So, I believe being engaged in whatever constructive activity would usher in peace in our land," she says.

"Locally, we cater to demands or else we also supply outside according to demands of companies," she adds.

Anungla from Zopar Exports Private Limited she joined the business in 2007.

"I encourage everyone to be a part of this as it is a profitable venture. It is going well so it is very good. Rose farms are spread over Kohima, Wokha and Mokokchung district in Nagaland," she says.

"My name is Neisakuono. Rose has good market value as it is bought for all special occasion, to decorate houses, to gif others and in programmes. People buy a lot so it has a good market generating income." (ANI)