<span style="color: #222222;">In Meghalaya, the Institute of Bio-resource and Sustainable Development (IBSD) a national institute of Department of Biotechnology</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">opened up their state-of-the-art orchidarium in their research facility in Upper Shillong on Monday.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">One of its kind orchidarium, the first in the country was constructed within a span of three months after the institute was established last year.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The orchidarium houses over 20 varieties of orchids which are found in Meghalaya and its neighbouring States.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Director of IBSD Professor Dinabandhu Sahoo told media that the orchidarium will educate public about citizen science which will help preserve the fragile eco-system.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He said the orchidarium will also be vital in providing bio-based eco-tourism in the State.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">When asked about creating employment opportunities through orchids, he said the entire North Eastern region is blessed with more than 800 varieties of orchids and the global demand for orchids is increasing year after year.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">So when orchids are produced in large quantities, with a proper supply chain, orchid farmers can earn a decent income like farmers in other parts of the world.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He said the temperature and climatic conditions of the North Eastern region are favourable for orchids to thrive, so it is imperative to look into orchid farming for mass production.</span><br />