Jorhat (Assam) [India], April 22 (HBTV): Nestled in the verdant landscape of Rangajan, Jorhat, lies a vibrant orchid garden home to more than 9,000 Kopou phool (Rhynchostylis retusa), lovingly cultivated by Mithu Gogoi—a farmer and passionate nature enthusiast.

Since 2013, Gogoi has transformed his deep connection with nature into a thriving conservation initiative that now draws the attention of tourists, researchers, and orchid lovers from across India.

The Kopou phool, celebrated for its sweet fragrance and strong cultural presence in Assamese traditions—especially when worn by women during the Bihu festival—has found a sanctuary in Gogoi’s meticulously curated orchid haven.

‘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 began cultivating Kopou phool in my garden, which has now transformed into a vibrant orchid jungle,’ Gogoi said.

He added: ‘In my orchid garden, we have around 325 species of orchids, but what truly sets it apart is the 9,000 Rhynchostylis retusa, commonly known as Kopou phool, that we have preserved here.’

Gogoi clarified that none of these orchids were taken from the wild. ‘We did not collect these orchids from the wild; instead, we rescued them from residences, buildings, and other urban environments and carefully relocated them to our garden.’

While Gogoi had previously sold the orchids within Assam, across India, and even exported them internationally, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these distribution channels. ‘Now we only sell within Assam and some parts of India,’ he said.

He also highlighted the impact of climate change on his garden. ‘This is usually the blooming season for orchids, but due to climate change, only about 50 percent have bloomed so far. I am preserving these orchids on my own. This is one of my personal aims and hobbies. I haven’t received any aid from the government or any other organizations,’ he said.

Institutions such as Assam Agricultural University and the Regional Research Laboratory have visited the garden for academic and scientific research. Students from schools and colleges, as well as domestic tourists, frequent the site. However, Gogoi noted that foreign tourists have not yet visited.

Due to regulatory restrictions, Gogoi’s garden does not preserve endangered orchid species. ‘We only preserve rescued orchids. We do not collect orchids from the wild,’ he affirmed.

(ANI)