Speciality of KVK

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)- Senapati, besides its mandatory activities has intervened in floriculture development in the district to a greater extent mainly in the field of Orchids with the financial assistant of DST, New Delhi, Government of India. KVK also focuses on the conservation and preservation of endangered species of orchids found in Manipur

The state of Manipur which is a part of Indo- Myanmar biodiversity hot spot area has about 300 species of orchids belonging to about 90 genera. Out of these about 30 species are of medicinal importance whereas about 50 species are of highly ornamental value and have been used as progenitors in developing several new orchid hybrids of cut flower quality which have great demand in the international trade. Unfortunately most of the orchid species in Manipur are in great threat due to habitat loss because of various natural calamities and biotic pressure on the forest cover.

KVK Senapati has personnel who are specialized in orchids. They have been engaged during the past ten years in ex situ conservation of rare and endangered orchid of Manipur and their propagation through seed and tissue culture. The centre is conserving nearly 300 species of native orchids which are maintained in these five green houses. There also exists a hardening house for laboratory produced seedlings and a tissue culture laboratory with basic facilities.

The centre has also been involved for the past decade in imparting training to local farmers particularly unemployed women in commercial cultivation of cut flower quality hybrid orchids and in distribution of seedlings to them as and when they are available.

Most of the sub-tropical and sub-temperate fruits thrive best in Senapati district of Manipur. The varied climatic and soil condition with altitudinal variation favour the growth and development of various sub-tropical, sub-temperate horticultural crop including fruits and orchids. However the yield of the horticultural crops is below the national average except for some fruits such as pine apple.

KVK Senapati has been working for the promotion of sub-tropical and sub- temperate horticultural crops through its mandatory activities like capacity building programmes, demonstrations and other extension activities. KVK has also introduced several temperate and subtropical fruit for enhancing the horticultural diversification in the district and Manipur state as whole. Kiwifruit is an example which was introduced by KVK Senapati for the first time in the district in the year 2006 and presently the area has reached to about 20 ha in Senapati district. Senapati being a hilly district with poor soil configuration provides less scope for field crops, therefore the suitable alternative for development is through promotion of horticultural crops. The rate of economic development of the district can be accelerated through horticultural production given all the necessary support, Senapati district can emerge as one of the horticultural zones of India.

KVK Senapati has crossed some of the milestones to become the hub of knowledge and resources of horticultural crops with the support of host institute FEEDS and other Govt. and non government organizations. However, much more has to be achieved in realizing the vision of becoming the specialized KVK in horticulture including orchids.