Imphal, April 3: A week-long aquarium exhibition and flower show in Imphal delighted research students and people from all walks of life, especially flower and aquarium lovers.

The exhibitions, organised by Manipur Science and Technology Council and Aquarium and Floriculture Entrepreneurs at Manipur Science Aquarium at Dhanamanhjuri College in Imphal city, attracted crowds since they were opened on March 31.

The exhibitions will conclude on Wednesday.

Nearly 100 ornamental as well as indigenous fish species and over 100 flower varieties were put on display.

"The objectives of the exhibition are to popularise aquarium and floriculture in the state, encourage more entrepreneurs in these areas and also popularise the state's science aquarium among the general public," an organiser said. Aquarium and floriculture are gaining popularity in Manipur with hotels and hospitals coming up and people starting to keep aquariums at home.

"Aquariums are becoming popular in Manipur. About five entrepreneurs are supplying fish, including ornamental and indigenous species, to private aquariums," an official of the science aquarium said.

The officials said India share 3 per cent of the world supply in aquarium market and supply of indigenous fish from the Northeast accounts for about 80 per cent of the country's contribution in the world market.

The indigenous fish varieties of the Northeast had a great demand by foreign aquarium owners, an official said. Aquarium enterprises got their supply of ornamental fishes like flower horns and oscars from Calcutta, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Entrepreneurs prefer the Calcutta market because of lower transportation costs and shorter distance. If the transportation time is long, fishes are more likely to die.

Along with the aquarium exhibition, the flower show also drew a sizeable crowd. The visitors can buy their choice of flowers at the event.

"The flower exhibition is very helpful for flower lovers as we don't know from where to get the flowers that have been put on display at the exhibition. It will be good if we get a permanent flower market in Imphal city," a visitor, Maibam Ram Singh, said.

The flower stall owners made a similar demand.

"Keeping flower and decorative plants at home, hotels, hospitals and private drawing rooms has gained popularity. Not many people know from where these plants can be purchased. Therefore, if the government provides a marketplace for us in Imphal city, people can easily buy them," a stall owner said.