DHEMAJI, May 29 - The executives of Orchid Society of Assam, a non-governmental body, organised its first executive meeting at Silapathar in Dhemaji district on Sunday and decided to conserve the indigenous orchid species.
It may be recalled that a group of experts from different parts of the State assembled at Silapathar during December last year and formed the organization in order to achieve the task. They have also embarked on a mission to conserve the indigenous orchid species on a scientific way.
The executive meeting chaired by the society�s president Dr Jitu Gogoi adopted a resolution to take steps for conservation of the indigenous orchid species through proper survey and documentation in respect of its economic and environmental values.
�We have decided to conduct a series of systematic survey on the orchid species available in Assam and its bordering States and conserve these in natural forests vegetation. We will also spread awareness among the people on economic importance of orchids through regular training and workshop and encourage horticulturists for its commercial cultivation,� said Dr Gogoi while informing that the society has already opened an office in Silapathar Science College premise.
It is reported that a group of professors and science students of Silapathar Science College led by Dr Jitu Gogoi is spearheading the conservation activities.
The orchid society functionaries foresee that commercial orchid cultivation can boost the rural economy of Assam as these have medicinal and ornamental values.
Among others, known orchid expert of Upper Assam Khyanjeet Gogoi, Silapathar Science College Principal Dr Ranjit Saikia, Dhemaji College Professor (Botany) Dr Annajyoti Gogoi, orchid conservationists of Jorhat Mithu Gogoi shared their suggestions for orchid conservation in the meeting.
Notably, a 35-member team of Assam Orchid Society conducted a primary survey in Poba Reserved Forest at Jonai bordering Arunachal Pradesh during December last year and discovered some rare and endangered ground orchid species.
