LEARNING: Participants learning and applying orchid planting methods.

BINTULU: A total of 13 participants from Limbang, Miri, Kuching and Bintulu have completed the Basic Orchid Cultivation Course at the Briefing Hall of the Campus Administrative Building and also at the Orchid Nursery maintained by University Agricultural Park (TPU).

The speakers who attended the UPMKB-organised TPU course were UPMKB Senior Lecturer Dr Latifah Omar and Senior Agricultural Officer, UPMKB, co-ordinator of the course, Mr Sat Maling.

According to Mr Sat Maling, orchids are one of the most popular ornamental flowering plants in Malaysia due to the country’s warm and humid climate throughout the year. Malaysia is home to thousands of species of wild orchids. Orchids are very popular with flora enthusiasts because their varying sizes, structures and colours of the flowers which add to their attractiveness.

“Orchids are floriculture products capable of generating lucrative income for growers in Malaysia thus orchid cultivation is fast becoming a thriving industry.” “Fresh cut orchids are very popular in local and international markets and the main plant is marketed for domestic use as an interior decoration in hotels, restaurants and houses,” said Mr. Sat Maling.

He added most cultivated orchids are in high demand because of factors such as colour variety of the flowers, durability of the plants, and cheaper alternative to wild orchids.

"It is larger in size and is suitable for sale as fresh cut flowers and there are several varieties of popular orchids grown in nurseries in large quantities due to high demand in Malaysian markets such as Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis, Arachnis, Vanda, Cattleya and Oncidium," he added.

He said the demand for fresh cut flowers such as orchids is increasing from formal events, festive celebrations, special occasions and hospitality businesses.

This, in turn, has led to an increase in production of flowers which in turn will generate revenue for TPU, UPMKB.

Date of Input: 15/08/2019 | Updated: 20/09/2019 | lanz