Floriculture show launched

By ANCILLA WRAKUALE
LOCAL florists are the centre of attraction as the third Papua New Guinea floriculture show opened at the Port Moresby Arts Theatre yesterday.
The venue was a sea of colours and scents as the florists displayed a wide variety of plants and floral arrangements.
PNG Cut-Flowers Association president Mary Saun said they decided to host the event this month to coincide with Mother’s Day on Sunday.
Among the Port Moresby florists were women from Maprik, in East Sepik, and Lae, in Morobe.
Saun said flower farmers needed a permanent market outlet where they could display their products for sale every day.
Businesswoman Janet Sape, who officiated at the programme, challenged florists to network and tap into the export market.
East Sepik Women in Agriculture coordinator Betty Ninawale said there was great interest in the floriculture business in her province but there was lack of funds to expand to other districts.
Mothers in Maprik are taking the lead in the newly flourishing industry.
Yesterday was the second time they were taking part in the show.
Their team comprised of 10 women and a male colleague who is displaying and selling different flower produce such as the favourite Sepik Blue.
Ninawale said they hoped to learn many new things at the show to improve on what they were lacking.
“We want to learn new skills in floriculture and to buy new planting materials that we don’t have in our areas, including nursery pot plants and other materials,” Ninawale said.
Special flower arrangements for Mother’s Day are  available for those who wish to grab a bouquet or a floral arrangement for their mothers, wives or sisters on Sunday.
PNG Ports chipped in K2,000 for the event, saying it would continue to show similar support.