The warm climate of Saranda is ideal for orchid cultivation.

Jamshedpur, June 9: The name Saranda forest sends a chill down the spine. It conjures up images of MCC rebels, encounters and bloodshed.

But there is a beautiful side to this gloomy picture. Apart from being a rebel hub, the forest is home to more than 50 varieties of orchids.

According to forest authorities, if properly nurtured the orchids could also be exported. The wide variety of exotic flowers has spurred forest officials into action. They have chalked out a plan for commercial cultivation of orchids.

The officials said director of Institute of Forest Productivity (IFP), Ranchi, D.K. Ghosh, stumbled upon Saranda’s blooming treasure during a visit to the district. “Ghosh recently visited Saranda for the first time. While walking around the forest he was both surprised and delighted to find so many varieties of orchids,” a forest official said.

He said Ghosh had thought that Kalimpong in West Bengal was the only place where orchids could be grown commercially. But after seeing Saranda’s exotic collection, Ghosh realised that the orchids would thrive in the warm and steamy climate of the forest, he said.

He added: “Ghosh has assured us that the Institute of Forest Productivity (IFP) will provide the forest department with the facilities required to train local people to grow orchids commercially in the area.” Some areas in Manoharpur and Gua have been selected for growing orchids.

The official said there was a huge demand for a variety of orchid called Peber Wallichi in the international market, particularly Holland and Belgium. “Saranda is filled with this variety of orchids. We hope orchid cultivation will provide employment opportunities to the local youths,” said the official, adding that it might help restore normality in Saranda.