Horticulture is massive success at GuyExpo 2013

Oct 07, 2013 News

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By Kiana Wilburg, Sunita Samaroo

The Horticulture industry, which deals with the cultivation and management of plants, has received an overwhelming response at this year’s GuyExpo event, as some of the most popular flowers like roses and orchids, as well as foreign ornamentals, like chrysanthemums, are being goggled up.
Over the past years, the horticultural sector has always received a welcoming response. However, according to those horticulturalists who spoke with Kaieteur News, the GuyExpo event is certainly one of the best marketing strategies that have afforded them opportunities to penetrate the financial market.

In addition to this, one Botanist at the trade fair said, “Among some people in our society, plants are  just appreciated for their decorative beauty, but with the trade fair, we get the opportunity to actually interact with persons and share the love we have for this sector. It is definitely more than just the propagation of plants and I am very grateful when I am able to change the way people see plants.”
Another horticulturist said, “The propagation of plants is one of the most captivating areas of the science, and the art of horticulture has certainly become something that can be shared and marketed. At this exhibition, we help people to understand the economics of this sector and how beneficial it can be.”
Further, “The sharing of information about this sector amongst other professional gardeners has immeasurably increased the ability to maintain, extend and share their collections of plants.”
However, “One issue that probably still remains a concern to us is the lack of information as well as facilities that can help us in expanding this industry in our country.  Some of us desire at times to cross breed certain plants in an effort to create our own hybrids.”
“We do hope that the Agricultural sector can look into this for we have received an overwhelming response and it is our desire to bring better quality plants to the market as well as something different. Horticulture is more than simply having the ability to successfully propagate plants; it is also a matter of improving techniques and having the facilities to do such.”
Echoing these sentiments was horticulturist, Gerhard Ramsaroop, who has been in the profession since 1981.
Ramsaroop, who is not surprised that the most popular foreign flowers were sold out, advocates as well, the need for local flora to be advertised.
He said, “Culturally, most of the populace is foreign-minded and there isn’t that great appreciation for local flowers as opposed to the foreign ornamental plants, which are easily identifiable with the demand on the market at this year’s GuyExpo.”
He also stated that the Horticultural sector has definitely received more attention from the local and foreign markets over the past years.
Be that as it may, Ramsaroop highlighted the glaring perception that horticulture was never officially supported by its governing ministry.
He said that, “Local flora needs support. Due to the fact that we have cultured a society that has seemingly developed a greater appreciation for foreign plants, it becomes harder on some horticulturists to adequately supply to those demands. There needs to be equal attention given to both groups of flora. More official support for the industry is a necessity as Horticulture is a sector that has the potential to earn significant revenue, if only it were afforded the opportunities to benefit from more detailed research that could or should be done by the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI).”
“More research into hybrids or cross breeding can be essential in boasting the sector as new varieties can help put Guyana on the map.”
“Indira,” a Kitty businesswoman, who has been a horticulturist for the past 22 years, expressed that this year’s GuyExpo was the most exceptional response she has ever received.
She expressed, “Whilst this is my seventh time at this event, this year’s response is simply incomparable. The GuyExpo committee has done an excellent job and I must say that the presence of the international community is also pleasing as they have been supportive of my business.”
She said, “All my roses are gone and most of my orchids too. This year is so far successful and I am very grateful for this. I have gotten personal orders after the show as well. In addition to this, chrysanthemums are in high demand. I am very pleased.”
“It is really nice just to hear that people appreciate the work you have. I love plants and I am overjoyed at the fact that people actually appreciate your work and pay more than the actual price for it.”
Several Brazilian nationals and Trinidadian tourists, who attended, told this newspaper that they are impressed with Guyana’s Agricultural sector and particularly with what they have seen with the horticulture businesses at the trade exhibition, as they have bought over 30 plants from the exhibition.

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