Agro-climatic conditions in the Nilgiris are suitable for cultivation of commercial orchids to earn more revenue.
Dr V. Ramsundar, horticulture expert and deputy director of horticulture (retired) said that apart from wild orchids which are rare, there are many species of commercial orchids playing a vital role in the flower market in the global arena.
In the Nilgiris, the agro-climatic conditions in the hills are suitable for commercial orchid cultivation. The different climate zones within the hills, the upper plateau like Ooty, the middle portion of the hills like Coonoor and the foothill portions of the hills such as Gudalur and Burliar limits will support the growth of different species of orchids. Impetus should be given to encourage commercial orchid cultivation in the Nilgiris to fully tap its potential to support commercial orchid cultivation to earn good revenue as commercial orchids generally fetch a good price in the market, he added.