It is a sightfor sore eyes, Anthurium plants, many of them in bloom under a green netcanopy. In an adjacent structure are rows of pots in mid-air, tied by string tohorizontally-placed rods. Each pot contains an orchid plant. Some of them aretied to tree trunks. Being airborne in 70% humidity is essential for the growthof orchids.
Eugenio Mesquita,a retired banker and graduate in agricultural science, delights in tending tohis orchids and Anthuriums. All this began in 1998 when he retired. “I begancultivating orchids and Anthuriums when I retired. Orchid cultivation is a bigindustry in Thailand which is on the same latitude as Goa. I was sure it waspossible to cultivate orchids in Goa” he says and adds “Then about 10 yearsago, along with 15 entrepreneurs, we formed an association and called ourselvesthe Orchid and Anthurium Association.”
A beautiful orchidwith one-inch yellow flowers on a stalk catches the eye. “This is the DancingDoll orchid. The broad petal looks like a skirt and the shape of the flower is likea doll,” says Mesquita. “I have nine species of orchids here. I grow theorchids and Anthuriums in coal and coconut husk. The coal prevents the root fromrotting and keeps away mites. In addition, I spray the orchids with water mixedwith cow dung at least 2-3 times a week,” he volunteers. Orchids take innutrients through their leaves.
He procured his orchidand Anthurium plants from Bangalore. All the plants, he said were grown throughtissue culture. The caterers and florists in Margoa were his buyers and demandusually increased during the wedding season.
Kidar NathSahani, who was the governor of Goa from 2002-04 had expressed his incredulityat orchids being cultivated in Goa and he and his wife visited Mesquita to see theorchids. Mesquita’s orchids have won prizes at the flower show held by theBotanical Society of Goa and the Directorate of Agriculture.
