Ooty: The Tamil Nadu Governor, Mr. Banwarilal Purohit stressed on bonding with nature and respecting nature at the valedictory of the five-day annual flower show at the famed Government Botanical Garden here in Ooty on Tuesday.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Mr. Purohit said that this prestigious flower show enjoys international recognition, both in terms of its antiquity and stature. “Flower shows are a treat to the eye and represent beauty at its best. They also enhance awareness about flowers among flower growers and garden lovers. They provide an opportunity for floral exhibitors to display their talent. On an average, every year, nearly 200 gardens vie with each other to bag the “Best Garden” title and win prizes, he said.





In addition, garden competitions are also conducted to encourage people to maintain beautiful gardens in their houses,” he noted. Mr. Purohit added that a Centre of Excellence for Cut flowers at Thally, Krishnagiri district has been set up at a project cost of Rs. 8.80 crore in December 2017.

This centre is expected to serve the purpose of being a demonstration farm for cut flowers to train farmers in the latest technologies. With such measures, Tamil Nadu which accounts for 19 per cent of the nation’s flower production and will emerge as the leader in the country in the production of flowers, he pointed out.

“Nature is like our mother, bountiful and generous. We should respect nature and ensure that we leave behind, for our succeeding generations, more natural resources than we inherited. Each one of us, must in our own way, contribute towards sustainability,” he advised.

He also distributed prizes to the winners of various competitions held in connection with the aesthetic flower show. Thiru R. Duraikannu, State Agriculture minister was among those who spoke on the occasion.