Nagaland is all set to organise its first ever floriculture bazaar called the “Bloom Bazaar”. An initiative of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), the Bazaar aims to upscale floriculture as an industry in the State.

Announcing this at a press conference held at the Heritage, Kohima, Abu Metha, IDAN Chairman and Advisor to Chief Minister said, “After having several meetings and deliberations with various Government Departments, Flower associations and the business organisations it was felt that floriculture as an industry has not taken centre stage yet in the state. We noticed that there is actually a very booming flower industry in the State.”

The Bloom Bazaar will be ceremonially launched tomorrow by Abu Metha, while Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will officially inaugurate it on September 30 at the Heritage, Kohima.

Bloom Bazaar 2023 is just around the corner, with only 1 day left! Join us at The Heritage, Kohima, September 29th-30th for an unforgettable blend of culture and nature. Experience flora, traditions, music, cuisine, fashion, organic markets, art, and innovation. #HeritageKohima pic.twitter.com/Bsq0kOUiZ2

— Bloom Bazaar (@BloomBazaar2023) September 28, 2023

Taking note of how Nagas have a passion for flowers, Metha informed that the IDAN conducted a study on the number of entrepreneurs in the flower industry, the scope of the flower industry and how to upscale, improve and enhance this sector. With the presence of a small section of women selling flowers in every market, Metha observed that many of these women selling flowers are under trying circumstances and difficult situations. Metha also pointed out that the State does not have an organised system in which the flower growers are being promoted nor are there any permanent flower market for them.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

After its launch, Bloom Bazaar will be held every weekend – Friday and Saturday from 12 noon to 7pm. The first weekend entry will be free but from subsequent weekends, a minimal entry fee will be charged, informed Metha adding that the event also aspires to be self-sustainable.

“It will not only be about flowers, while the main focus is to promote and support the flower industry and flower entrepreneurs but it will also create a space for other entrepreneurs, other sections to come and participate and show the best of what Nagaland has,” stated Metha.

Altogether 15 Government Department especially in the Agri and allied sectors will be participating in Bloom bazaar every weekend comprising of 45 stalls. The bazaar will hold musical events, art gallery and kids’ section.

Significantly, the Government has partnered with financial institutions like Bank of Baroda, Northeast Small Finance and Nagaland Rural bank to provide special schemes for flower growers in a low interest rate with no collateral and long-term moratorium. The scheme is aimed at upscaling the flower industry so that the floriculture industry can also boost the State’s economy.

A conservative estimate by the IDAN team indicated that Bloom Bazaar 2023 will generate close to 450 weekend employment and more than 300 permanent employments, as far as its economic and employment impact is concerned.

Metha exuded hope that the event will not focus on promoting flowers and entrepreneurship but that, it will also generate keen interest in Nagaland as far as Tourism is concerned. “We hope that in the coming weeks it will become a Tourism destination not only for people coming from outside but for local citizens, domestic tourist and also visitors visiting from outside,” added Metha.

Read more: IDAN invites local entrepreneurs to participate in weekend marketplace Bloom Bazaar