Kolkata is to witness the AHSI’s 186^th  Annual Flower Show 2013

HORTICULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA

 The diversity of horticulture is captured in hundreds of Seasonal flowers not without perennial flowers, fruits and vegetables, medicinal plants, wide range of foliage plants, cacti and succulents, Bonsai etc. grown in pots. That is not all, cut flowers uprooted vegetables, feature garden. It is no longer restricted to the state of West Bengal, some of the North Eastern States also participate with their exotic cut flowers and outstanding horticultural products.  Floral artists and photographer’s excellence have added flavor to this popular Kolkata event. Visitors are assured that in spite of such wide diversity they will not miss the magnificence of plethora of flowers led by dahlias and roses. This annual flower show 2013 will be inaugurated on 7^th February at 3 pm at the Society’s premises by Hon’ble Justice Shri Shyamal Kumar Sen, Former Governor of West Bengal, Former Acting Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, Former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court, Former Chairman, Human Rights Commission,  Ambassador of Portugal, Pt. Ajay Chakraborty , Ms. Moon Moon Sen & other dignitaries.

Specific details will be provided in the Press Conference,

What makes the Annual Flower Show of  the Society so unique :

The Agri-Horticultural Society possesses a traditional garden laid out on a plot of 22 acres having a wealth of valuable plants/trees most of which are over a century old. The garden is well maintained even today. The Society’s own grown annuals in pots and beds are in bloom making the garden beautiful. The garden itself is a spectacle when added with the Annual Flower Show, it becomes  a great extravaganza which attracts huge number of visitors for feast of their eyes including  photographers, botanists, artists to enrich their professional excellence.

A Certificate from the Society giving acknowledgement to the standard of exhibit helps being recognized as a reputable growers, breeders, nurserymen etc. This enables the growers, breeders,  nurserymen to enhance their business. 

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Show Timings:

7^th February   3pm-7pm

8^th & 10^th  Febuary-7am -7pm

The Inauguration ceremony will be held on : 7^th February 2013 at 3 p.m.

And will be graced by the following dignitaries

Hon’ble Justice Shri Shyamal Kumar Sen, Former Governor of West Bengal, Former Acting Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, Former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court, Former Chairman, Human Rights Commission,

H.E.(Mr.)Jorge Roza Oliveira, Ambassador of Portugal,

Pt. Ajay Chakraborty, Eminent Vocal Artist

Ms. Moon Moon Sen, Eminent Actress & other dignitaries.

Prize distribution will be held on :  10^th February,2013, at 4 p.m.

Following dignitaries will grace the said function.

Shri Tarun Gogoi, Hon’ble Chief Minister , Govt.of Assam,

Consul General of Russia,

 Dy. High Commissioner Of U.K.

Smt. Shirin Paul & other dignitaries.

Mr. R.S.Jhawar, President of ASHI, says that “Our Annual Flower Show is the OLDEST and most prestigious flower Show in India, which was started in the year 1828 comprising of different seasonal and perennial flowering plants, foliage plants, fruits, vegetables and feature gardens etc. Our effort is to spread horticulture in the country”.

The Annual Flower Show more than 20 different classes and nearly 200 sections covering palms, ferns, ornamental plants, cacti, succulents, vegetables, fruits, herbal plants, roses, gladioli, bonsai etc are on show. It is arguably the largest flower show of the country.

HISTORY

The Agri Horticultural Society Of India was founded in 1820 by Rev. Dr. William Carey, with the objective of developing and promoting agriculture & horticulture in India .Their first exhibition was held as early as 1828 and the Society meanwhile catered to the needs of the agri-horticultural functions of the country and acted as the de facto Agricultural Ministry of the Government of India, till 1900. First ever agricultural journal in the country was published in 1837 by the Society.

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The AHSI has a unique history of achievements. It has played a pioneering role in the introduction of a wide array of cereals. cash crops ,cinchona, fruits, vegetables, flowering plants and trees and ornamental plants etc.

In the past, various Governor General and Viceroys had been the chief patrons of the Society. AHSI was established by Sir William Carey, a great visionary. 

It is traditional and informal garden. Although it is of 193 year old vintage, it is impeccably maintained. It is populated by varieties of rare plants.

The AHSI today captures the passionate love for plant life, and takes Indian agri-horticulture to new realms.

The show has a real mixture, something for everyone, plenty of competitions, displays the latest gardening products etc. Combined with the amazing weather and it is no wonder the show is enjoyed by a large number of visitors. The ASHI Annual flower Show is certainly keeping up the tradition along with contemporary changes.

ACTIVITIES

The Agri –Horticultural Society of India, apart from holding regular Flower Shows of various kinds, also holds competitions like - Summer and Winter Garden Competition, House Plants Show, Mango Mahotsav, etc. It also propagates the rare plants, shrubs, trees and offers advisory services to plant lovers of the city, to build the bridge between nature lovers and nature.

This apart, the AHSI is known for its development and preservation of Medicinal and Herbal plants. It also works with a laboratory for Research and Development now engaged in Tissue Culture. In fact, the AHSI works with “Ipecac”, a special kind of plant with multi-purpose uses, including treatment of dysentery.

Education activities includes holding International Seminars, conducting Short Courses Training Programme on Mushroom Culture, Bonsai Culture, Home Gardening etc. This Society holds one year Certificate course on Horticulture at the Society’s Carey Institute for Boys, affiliated to Calcutta University. Besides this, it also organizes exhibitions and conferences on Agri-Horticultural subjects.

The AHSI is actively engaged in designing, developing and implementing various landscape projects including their maintenance in and around Kolkata. Besides this, AHSI also offers consultancy and advisory services.

Details:                       AFS-13            AFS-12

Total Pots        ;           16661             16526

Total Sec Entry:            2176                2114

Main Exhibitor:

I)                   NTPC, Farakka,

II)                 FLORA, NTPC,

III)               Kolkata Municipal Corporation,

IV)              Apeejay Typhoo Tea,

V)                Archana Bagla,

VI)              Karan Paul,

VII)            Amra Sabai,

VIII)          GM, Eastern Railway,

IX)              Commissioner of Police Residence.

X)                Apeejay Park Hotel

XI)              Jeerat 400 KV Sub Station,

XII)            Maa Bhabatarini Nursery,

XIII)          Indira Gandhi Water Treatment Plant,

XIV)         Kartick Ch Sarkar

XV)           Krystal Firm

XVI)         GM, South Eastern Railway,

XVII)       Biswajit Adhikary

Bests of the Show:

Best Orchid of the Show      : “DENDROBIUM” displayed by Mr. Samar Kr. Das.

Best Pot Rose                        : “GOLD STICK” displayed by Maa Bhabatarini Nursery.

Best Cut Rose                        : “CALCUTTA 300” displayed by Indira Gandhi Water Treatment

                                                Plant.

Best Bonsai of the Show      : Displayed by Ms. Archana Bagla

Best Dahlia of the Show      : “Yellow Monarch” displayed by NTPC, Farakka

Best group of Dahlia            : Displayed by NTPC, Farakka.