Orchid plants and sticks produced at a private farm named Dipta Orchids Limited in Phulbaria upazila are being exported abroad.

The orchid farm established on 11 acres of land in 2002 began its production in 2003. Dipta Orchids Ltd is situated at Dulma Enayetpur in Phulbaria, a remote place in Mymensingh. It has also become a source of employment for poor people. Now 26 people work at the farm.

After collection of 80,000 orchid saplings from Thailand, the farm started its activities. At present it produces thousands of orchid sticks every month. The farm has over three lakh orchid plants of 25 varieties which have great demand in local and foreign markets. A few of the varieties are Dendrobium Pink, Dendrobium Sonia, Dendrobium Sato, Dendrobium White, Red Bull, Miss Singapore. Dendrobium Earsa Kul and White Faiben.

Orchids produced at thew farm are classified into three grades. The grades are Garade A, Grade B and Grade C. According to grade, prices of sticks are determined.

Amal Saha, a horticulturist of Dipta Orchid Ltd, told The Daily Star that orchid sticks produced here have great demand in local and foreign markets because of its quality. The demand is great but it can not be supplied because of its lesser production, Amal Saha told further.

Initially, orchids are being supplied to Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Canada and London, disclosed Amal Saha. If the foreign demands can be fulfilled, orchids would be a source of good foreign exchange earning, he told.

At present the foreign requirement is over one lakh sticks. But the farm can supply 50 to 60 thousand sticks each month, said Amal Saha.

According to sources in Dipta Orchids Ltd, each stick is being sold at Tk 5 only. An orchid plant at its flowering stage is being sold between Tk 500 to 800, according to variety.

Dr AM Farooque, a professor of the Department of Horticulture of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) told The Daily Star, orchid cultivation can be extended easily as the climatic condition of the country is very congenial. The rainy season is very helpful to its growth, said Prof Farooque, adding like Thailand, Bangladesh also can earn good foreign exchange through its export.