Lucknow, Dec. 11: Hundreds of special varieties of flowers were on display at the central lawns of Botanical Garden here during the annual Chrysanthemum and Coleus Flower Show held here recently.

Organised by the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) to encourage public awareness about flowers, the week-long event was participated by 129 individuals short listed out of a list of over a hundred interested participants.

" When you grow crops like rice, wheat, cereal pulses, oil etc., the maximum profit that can be procured will be around rupees 18,000 to 19,000. But when you engage in actual floriculture plants, the profit ranges from a minimum rupees 30,000 to a lakh. Almost a 100 percent profit venture, " said Dr. V K Banerjee, the Head of Department of Floriculture at the National Botanical Research Institute.

A massive yellow chrysanthemum with slender astral petals, also known as the yellow knight was adjudged as 'Prince of the Show' in the flowers kingdom.

However, Dorej Queen, a variety of flower having cashew nut shaped petals was crowned as 'King of the Show'.

Connoisseurs among the visitors said that this annual show by NBRI is a worthy attempt to create awareness amongst masses about the proper plantation and maintenance of the flora.

"Not everything is new, but I wait desperately every year for the Chrysanthemum Show. To see such large variety is pretty satiating for me. I feel immense pleasure and happiness whenever I come here. Every flower has its own distinguished qualities, charm and attraction, " said Ram Teerath, a regular at the show. (ANI)