Assam's Orchid Haven: Mithu Gogoi’s Garden in Jorhat Boasts 9,000 Kopou Flowers, a Cultural and Conservation Wonder

In the verdant expanse of Rangajan, Jorhat, lies an astounding spectacle—an vivid orchid sanctuary housing more than 9,000 species. This captivating botanical marvel thrives amidst the luscious surroundings of Assam, India. On April 22nd, ANI reported this remarkable discovery. Kopou Phool ( Rhynchostylis retusa ), lovingly nurtured by Mithu Gogoi , a dedicated farmer with a deep love for nature.

Since 2013, Gogoi has channeled his profound appreciation for nature into an effective conservation initiative that has captivated the interest of visitors, scientists, and orchid enthusiasts throughout India.

The Kopou Phool Famous for its captivating aroma and significant role in Assamese customs, especially cherished by women during the Bihu festival, this plant has thrived in Gogoi's garden.

Speaking to ANI, Mithu Gogoi , a farmer's nature enthusiast, said, "First of all, I welcome you all here. Since childhood, I have grown up surrounded by nature, which has always inspired my thoughts and ideas. Motivated by this connection, I decided to preserve the Kopou phool ( Rhynchostylis retusa In 2013, I started growing Kopou flowers in my garden, which has since turned into a lush orchid sanctuary.

In my orchid garden, we boast approximately 325 species of orchids; however, what really makes it distinctive is the remarkable total of 9,000 plants. Rhynchostylis retusa , commonly known as Kopou Phool "and we've maintained this for you," he additionally noted.

Gogoi, who is both a farmer and an avid naturalist, stated, "These orchids were not gathered from their natural habitats; rather, they were salvaged from homes, structures, and various urban settings before being meticulously transplanted into our garden."

I haven’t been cultivating and safeguarding these flowers with commercial intent. In the past, we sold these orchids in Assam, India, and also shipped them abroad. Nevertheless, during the COVID-19 pandemic, our supply chains were disrupted, limiting sales to just Assam and certain areas within India. Climate change has significantly affected these plants; typically, this would be their peak flowering period, yet because of changing weather patterns, barely half have blossomed so far. I’m personally responsible for maintaining these orchids as part of my individual goals and interests. Neither the government nor any other groups have provided me with assistance,” he stated firmly.

"Research institutions such as Assam Agricultural University and the Regional Research Laboratory have toured my garden for study reasons. Pupils from multiple schools and universities frequently visit this place too, along with domestic travelers from across the nation. Nonetheless, international visitors haven’t made their way here so far. Because of governmental rules, we aren't permitted to conserve threatened varieties of orchids. Instead, our focus is solely on safeguarding rescued orchids. Additionally, we refrain from harvesting orchids directly from natural habitats," explained the farmer who has a passion for nature. (ANI)