Assistance for Flood-hit Orchid Growers to Increase Production

(01/10/2012)

The Government has offered young orchids of the genus Dendrobium to flood-hit orchid growers to help rehabilitate planting areas and increase production. Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Nalinee Taveesin, said that the 2011 floods caused widespread damage to the agriculture sector; many farmers, including orchid growers, were affected. In order to help orchid growers, the Office of the National Research Council of Thailand has launched a project to develop Dendrobium orchids of good quality. The project has been carried out jointly with the Department of Agricultural Extension, Kasetsart University, Maejo University, and Naresuan University. It is seeking to produce one million young Dendrobium orchids to be given to growers. On behalf of the Government, Minister Nalinee on 28 September 2012 presented 320,000 young orchids to representatives of orchid growers from six provinces, namely Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, and Bangkok. The presentation ceremony took place at the Office of the National Research Council of Thailand in Bangkok. The remaining 680,000 orchids will be given in November and December 2012 for growers to plant in their areas. Minister Nalinee said that 4,046.4 acres of orchid plantations in seven provinces – Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Samut Sakhon, Suphan Buri, and Bangkok – were damaged by severe floods in 2011. For the orchid plantations to return to their normal state, young orchids are needed, especially those in the Dendrobium genus, since most Thai orchid exports are in this grouping. Orchids are beautiful, colorful, and long-lasting, and their beauty is also a natural wonder. Dendrobium has a unique scent and includes both the white and purple flowered species. These orchids grow quickly throughout summer, but take a long rest during the winter. All Dendrobium orchids require bright light, small pots, well-drained soil mixes, and humidity between 50 and 70 percent. Thailand has an abundance of exotic orchids, though some species are rarely seen now. The country has long been the world’s largest orchid exporter and it still retains this status. Its natural environment encourages the growth and variety of fine orchids, whether wild or cultivated. Thai orchid exports in 2011 were almost 23,400 tons, worth 2.1 billion baht. Major markets include Japan, China, the Republic of Korea, Italy, the Netherlands, the United States, and Australia. The flowering season in Thailand usually takes place during the rainy season, from July to October.