Plant Festival at Municipal Gardens in Panjim 29th November 2003

The sixth annual PLANT UTSAV is current going on at the Municipal Garden, near Church Square, Panjim, Goa. It is open upto 8 p.m. but the competition section will be closed by 4 p.m. on Sunday. Sale of plants will continue upto 8 P.M. on both days.

Entertainment this evening will be at the Heritage Festival between Cine National and Nizari Bhawan, adjoining cafe Bhonsale[which is uncrowded after the jaundice hype!]

The president of Botanical Society of Goa, Dr H Y Karapurkar, in his welcome address spoke about the society and its activities. He also hoped that the visitors to the festival would be able to obtain information about the plants and other agricultural aspects, including the government project of green house for orchids and anthuriums.

The Mayor of CCP, Mr Ashok Naik and the director of the Directorate of Agriculture, Mr Ramesh Joshi were also present on the occasion. Mr Minguel Braganza introduced the guests, while the organising secretary of Plant Utsav, Dr K G Hiremath proposed the vote of thanks. The three-day event will exhibit a shade-net house containing the flowering anthuriums and orchids, and a life-sized functional 'Krishi Ghar' with vegetables, flavoured milk and other produce.

The women's entrepreneurs group and women from various Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from the watershed areas of Canacona, Sanguem and Sattari talukas selling vegetables, chilies and spices grown on hilly areas are also participating in the event. The competitions in potted plants and vegetable carving and entertainment programmes during the evenings are other highlights of the Plant Utsav.

Around 10 nurseries have set up their stalls at the festival including Florance Flora from Bangalore, Mr Farmer, Vikas Nursery, Garden Glory Florist, Kakoda Farms, Dande's Nursery, Viraj Nursery, Nisarg Gardens and so on.

The other attraction of the Plant Utsav is the display of medicinal plants cultivated by Raj Bhavan and National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).

click on thumnail images for larger ones

The Botanical Society of Goa [BSG]in association with the Corporation of the City of Panaji[CCP] and the Directorate of Agriculture[DAgri] will hold the sixth annual PLANT UTSAV, a festival of Plants and Flowers, at Garcia da Orta Municipal Garden near the Church Square,Panaji-Goa,from 28 to 30 November,2003. This is an opportunity for all plant lovers in Goa to display their potted plants,compete and to buy plants and garden materials/equipment. The event needs no introduction to Goans in Goa. For regular updates, join the BSG net group by sending a blank email to goanet-bsg-subscribe@goacom.com or phone AJ Gomes 0832-2233775 or Dr.K.G.Hiremath 0832- 2464664 or email ajgomes@indiatimes.com.
Viva Goa. Miguel Braganza

1 lakh orchids, anthuriums to be planted by March’04
NT Staff Reporter
Panaji Nov 28: The Chief Secretary, Mr D S Negi said that the state would witness planting of around 1 lakh orchids and anthuriums by March 2004 and observed that government would shift from its current mind-set as well as the use of existing technology, for promotion of horticulture and floriculture.Mr Negi who earlier inaugurated the 6th Plant Utsav at Garcia de Orta Garden, in the city, organised by the Botanical Society of Goa (BSG), in collaboration with the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), Directorate of Agriculture and the Department of Science, Technology and Environment (DSTE), further observed that though tourism formed the backbone of Goa’s economy, one cannot depend on it throughout the year.

“The government and the people have to diversify in other fields for income, and high input as well as high output of agricultural produce could be one solution,” he suggested, adding that Goa has the most congenial conditions for such activities.The Chief Secretary also maintained that the sales of local agricultural produce have increased since setting up of the Krishi Ghars in the state. “The future will witness large quantity of vegetables cultivated in Goa,” he claimed.
Mr Negi also acknowledged the active and constructive participation of the non-government organisations in the Goan agricultural sector.
The DSTE director, Dr N P S Varde, who was the guest of honour on the occasion said that the time has come to re-discover our traditional agricultural techniques and implement them in modern times.

He lamented that the introduction of irrigation techniques have made the agriculturists ignore age-old water collection systems such as water harvesting and watershed management. He also bemoaned that the practice of organic gardening, use of traditional manure and custom of integrated pest management were replaced by frequent utilisation of modern fertilisers and pesticides. Dr Varde pointed out that the festival of plants would be instrumental in providing information about ornamental horticulture, vegetable cultivation, bouquet making and Bonsai, among other things.

The president of Botanical Society of Goa, Dr H Y Karapurkar, in his welcome address spoke about the society and its activities. He also hoped that the visitors to the festival would be able to obtain information about the plants and other agricultural aspects, including the government project of green house for orchids and anthuriums.
The Mayor of CCP, Mr Ashok Naik and the director of the Directorate of Agriculture, Mr Ramesh Joshi were also present on the occasion. Mr Minguel Braganza introduced the guests, while the organising secretary of Plant Utsav, Dr K G Hiremath proposed the vote of thanks
The three-day event will exhibit a shade-net house containing the flowering anthuriums and orchids, and a life-sized functional ‘Krishi Ghar’ with vegetables, flavoured milk and other produce.

The women’s entrepreneurs group and women from various Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from the watershed areas of Canacona, Sanguem and Sattari talukas selling vegetables, chilies and spices grown on hilly areas are also participating in the event. The competitions in potted plants and vegetable carving and entertainment programmes during the evenings are other highlights of the Plant Utsav. Around 10 nurseries have set up their stalls at the festival including Florance Flora from Bangalore, Mr Farmer, Vikas Nursery, Garden Glory Florist, Kakoda Farms, Dande’s Nursery, Viraj Nursery, Nisarg Gardens and so on. The other attraction of the Plant Utsav is the display of medicinal plants cultivated by Raj Bhavan and National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).

Microscopic mite brings Goan coconut to its knees By Miguel Braganza http://www.oherald.com
PANJIM, Nov 9: Coconut prices are going through the roof once again... this time, thanks to a microscopic mite. In Goa, the retail price of coconuts has reached double digit figures once again but, ironically, the coconut producers are far from happy. In fact, they are distressed that they cannot encash on the price rise because the local cocnut production levels have nosedived. There are few coconuts coming from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These states are in a similar predicament though their governments are doing more about it, as compared to the state government authorities at Panjim. Behind the problem, it's a small, almost microscopic, insect-like creature called the Eriophyid mite that is causing much of the havoc. It is so small that one cannot even see it, unless one knows what one is looking for and has an extremely good vision. Most coconut growers in the state currently still believe -- wrongly -- that the the problem is due to a virus disease.

The tender coconut continues to be nature's gift, specially on a hot October or summer afternoon. It is a good omen that Goan coconut growers have actually begun selling tender coconuts, overcoming the myth and sentiments about the 'feelings' of the tree. It is also good news that Goan youth, instead of crying hoarse about unemployment, are beginning to venture into small -- but highly remunerative -- enterprises like vending tender coconuts. But just when their business was beginning to look up, thanks in part due to the controversy over pesticide residues in cold drinks, the Eriophyid mite is playing hell with their economics. The so-called disease that has many in Goa talking about it is not caused by a virus but by an insect-like creature, the Eriophyid mite, Aceria gurrreronis. (Technically, it is not a 'disease' but an 'infestation' and the mite is not an 'insect' but an 'arthropod' like the spider.) Currently, the best cure for it is an application of neem extract; as a contact spray, by stem injection or root-feeding. Spraying is the easiest option for short coconut trees.

Econeem Plus manufactured by soap-manufacturer Margo is used in Kerala, while either Suraksha manufactured by Pranjali or Neemazal manufactured by E.I.D.Parry is currently used in Goa. The latter two neem-based cures are avialable at outlets in Margao, Panjim and Guirim. This neem insecticide has to be mixed with equal quantity of water and applied at the roots or diluted at two to five ml per litre of water and sprayed on the newly opening flower bunches or as directed by the accompanying literature. This is suited for Goa conditions. Currently, Neemazal -- costing Rs 200 per 100 ml which works out to approx Rs.15 per tree -- is recommended by the Directorate of Agriculture. Ideal time to apply in Goa is September-October,January and May. You can harvest and use the coconuts, a thing you cannot do for a month if you use a chemical like Monocrotophos. There is one fungus called Hirsutella thompsonii that can control this mite. Farmers can also spray a five per cent salt solution on the coconut buttons. The problem is that, given Goa's difficult labour situation for skilled manual work, it is difficult to find someone to climb the coconut trees every month to spray the fungus suspension on the new flowers and coconuts.

This pest was depressed during the heavy rains. It has come back with vengeance causing severe 'button drop' -- meaning, the falling of immature nuts. It also results in brown or silvery markings on the coconut husk, deformed nuts, nut cracking and nut drop. The insect is very small and is even blown by the wind from one tree to another. All having nut-bearing palms should check for fallen nuts and take preventive action on other trees also. This information is particularly important to readers who have one or more bearing coconut trees. Since the pest is new, the people are consulted.

Other information can be had from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (contact the Director and senior scientist Dr Jose Romeno Faleiro), or the Director of Agriculture (contact P Tufani of Plant Protection). Recently, a book entitled 'Coconut', and priced at Rs 20 was published by the SFX School of Siolim. This will also be available at the Plant Utsav, to be held at Panjim's municipal garden between November 28-30. (The writer holds an M.Sc-Agri degree in horticulture, and is a Mapusa-based horticultural consultant. He can be contacted via miguel12 at sancharnet.in)

I hope the Goa Government will also project the control measures for the mite at the PLANT UTSAV being organized by the BSG jointly with the CCP and the Directorate of Agriculture. The CM's office is responsive to issues concerning Goa.So is the Chief Secretary himself. Takes time for the enthusiam to percolate, but percolate it does. The present Director of Agriculture is responsive and so are a few officers.[Just half a decade back, I was working in the same dept. I ought to know.] The Dept. is doing a good job of training farmers to climb coconut trees with the CDB climber. It even has a farmer to train other farmers. Those living in Goa,please contact your nearest Zonal Agriculture Office or a friendly neighbourhood pesticide dealer who has neem -based pesticides. Go organic.Live longer. Viva Goa. Miguel Braganza

Orchids on display at Nov-end utsavSubmitted by Herald Cybernew... on 19 November, 2003 -

PANJIM, NOV 18 (HR) Orchids and Anthuriums will enthrall plant lovers at the VIth All Goa Plant Utsav being hosted for the second time at the Panjim Municipal garden from November 28-30, 2003.

The Goa Botanical Society together with the Corporation of the City of Panaji and the Department of Agriculture have chalked out a detailed two-day programme which will include exhibition and sale of plants, competitions and entertainment.

Several stalls by private, government and self help groups will provide an array of plant produce and products at the utsav. Till date ten nurseries have confirmed their participation in the two-day Plant Utsav and entries will be accepted at the Zonal Agriculture Offices, the Goa Botanical Society and at the venue as well. Some of the participants include the Goa Horticultural Corporation, Anthurium and Orchid Association of Goa and Florence Flora (national chain of florist shops) etc. A competition in potted plants and vegetable carvings will be organised during the two day utsav. "This year the focus of the Plant Utsav is floriculture and co-operative marketing of horticultural produce," states Sanjit Rodrigues, Commissioner of the Corporation of the City of Panaji while addressing a press conference on the forthcoming event.

Compiled by: Gaspar Almeida
for www.goa-world.com