Sikkim, Mar 26 (ANI): Situated in the lower Himalayas, Sikkim is home to around 5,000 species of flowering plants. They include rare species of primulas, rhododendrons, liliums, oaks and ferns. Home to over 26 per cent of the country's biodiversity with exquisite species of flora and fauna, the state has been successful in promoting floriculture. Realizing the potential of this sector, many budding entrepreneurs are taking up floriculture. Ongmu Doma Bhuttya, a budding entrepreneur from Gangtok, has successfully taken up flower cultivation. At present, Sikkim is producing cut flowers which include roses, anthuriums and gladiolis on a commercial scale. Sikkim is the only state in the country which produces high-value cymbidium orchids. Tourists from different parts of the country visit the famous gardens of Sikkim, such as Mainam Garden and Samsara Garden every year to enjoy the flora of the state. Sikkim has grown a large floriculture industry giving the local florists a chance to earn their livelihood, and providing a platform for budding entrepreneurs.
