Shillong, Dec 5: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma and Urban Affairs Minister, Hamletson Dohling on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for Orchidarium and Orchid Production Unit respectively at the IBSD, 6th Mile, Upper Shillong.

Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, the Chief Minister said that the Orchidarium and the Orchid Production Unit will have a huge impact on the lives of local entrepreneurs and will be viable and a profitable business. Stating that tourists all over the world have a connection with orchids, the Chief Minister said that it will be a game changer for the tourism sector. Meghalaya, being a diverse State, there is a need to explore other business potentials, he added.

Around 800 species of orchids are available in the State, yet we tend to import from other countries, he said.

It is a challenge and we need to realize that there is a need to create a bigger and sustainable eco-system and for that it is pertinent to coordinate with entrepreneurs and have a seamless connectivity with the rest of India and the world. The Chief Minister in his words of encouragement to the students, who were present at the programme, urged them to have a purpose driven life.

Meghalaya Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Y. S. Shullai, Director, IBSD, Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo and Vice Chancellor, NEHU, Prof. S. K. Srivastava were also present at the programme.