Agri Biz
Care for Tolumnia Orchids
Miniature orchids of the Tolumnia species, commonly referred to as Equitant Oncidiums, are native to the Caribbean and Central America. These little plants are highly appreciated by orchid fans for their stunning, colorful, and long-lasting flowers in a variety of hues, including yellow, orange, red, and purple. Here are some crucial maintenance instructions to make sure your Tolumnia orchids thrive:
Light
Because these orchids prefer bright, filtered light, it’s ideal to put them close to an east or west window that receives several hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it’s essential to keep them out of direct sunlight because it can burn the leaves.
Water
Tolumnia orchids prefer a continuous damp environment that is not soggy. It’s advised to water them once or twice a week, depending on the humidity conditions in your home. The potting mix must be allowed to gradually dry out between waterings; however, avoid letting it dry out completely.
Humidity
High humidity is ideal for tolumnia orchids, with a suggested range of 60 to 70%. If the air in your home is dry, you might want to use a humidifier or put a tray of water close to the plant to increase the humidity.
Growing Medium
These orchids require a potting soil that drains well and holds moisture without becoming soggy. For these orchids, a combination of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite works well.
Fertilizer
Your Tolumnia orchids require frequent fertilization with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength. Feed them every two weeks when they are growing and once a month when they are dormant.
Repotting
Every two to three years, or as soon as the potting soil has deteriorated and become compacted, repot your Tolumnia orchids. Select a pot that is marginally larger than the one you previously used, and use a potting mix that drains well.
Air Circulation
Tolumnia orchids need sufficient air circulation to keep healthy and stop the growth of fungus. Place them in a room with good ventilation in your house.
Pruning
To promote new growth and additional blooms, trim the flower spikes back to the plant’s base after the plant has completed blooming.
Propagation
orchids can be multiplied by means of keikis, or baby plants, which develop at the parent plant’s base. The keikis can be gently removed and potted up in their own containers after they have grown roots.
Pests and Diseases
Tolumnia orchids are typically resistant to pests and diseases, however if kept in very moist or humid environments, they may become prone to fungus infections. Making ensuring the potting mix is well-drained and avoiding overwatering will help to lower the danger of fungal diseases.
In conclusion, Tolumnia orchids require minimal maintenance and can provide a magnificent display of blossoms for many years. You’ll be able to enjoy an abundance of lovely blossoms by giving them bright, filtered light, a well-draining potting mix, high humidity, regular fertilizer, and good air circulation. To determine which growing circumstances are best for your plants, don’t be afraid to experiment. If you need assistance, you can also ask other orchid aficionados or gardening professionals for advice. Your Tolumn will last as long as you take good care of it.
Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akter announced plans to establish an international laboratory in Bangladesh to issue accredited certificates, supporting the roadmap for exporting agricultural products. The country is also developing a world-class packaging system and training around 200,000 farmers to produce commodities meeting global demands.
Expressing optimism, Akter anticipates Bangladesh’s capacity to export agricultural products to all countries within the next two years. She addressed these initiatives at a workshop titled “Export of Agro Products: Challenges and Way Forward” at the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council.
While acknowledging global praise for Bangladesh’s agricultural products, Akter stressed the need to enhance exports and reduce production costs. The Ministry of Agriculture has launched a dedicated export desk to expand the export of agricultural products.
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Dr Nahid Rashid, and other officials discussed the challenges and opportunities for agricultural exports. Ghosh emphasized the importance of private sector investment in agri-processed industries and urged entrepreneurs to contribute to the agricultural sector’s growth.
In summary, Bangladesh is proactively taking steps to strengthen its position in the global agricultural market by focusing on certification, packaging, and training, with a vision to boost exports in the coming years.
Agri Biz
Govt Approves Procurement of 90,000 Metric Tons of Fertilizer, 1.10cr Liters of Soybean Oil
During the 39th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP), the government approved several crucial proposals. This includes the procurement of 90,000 metric tons of fertilizer and 1.10 crore liters of soybean oil, aiming to meet the rising demand in the country.
Two separate proposals were also given the green light for fixing the power tariff for two power plants. The state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will be responsible for procuring soybean oil from Green Nation Builders & Developers in India. Cabinet Division additional secretary, Sayeed Mahbub Khan, shared details on the approved power tariffs. This includes the 11 MW waste-based power plant in Brahmanbaria and the 100MW AC solar-based power plant in Sonagazi.
Furthermore, the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) received approval for the procurement of urea fertilizer. The BCIC will acquire consignments from Muntajat in Qatar, KAFCO in Bangladesh, and SABIC Agri Nutrients Company in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the CCGP meeting greenlit a road project involving the upgrading of the Aricha-Gheor-Doulatpur-Nagarpur-Tangail regional highway.
In a separate meeting, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs convened and approved the maintenance of the import agreement for non-urea fertilizer from six countries. These include Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Tunisia, Canada, Russia, and Belarus. The government will also initiate the procurement of non-urea fertilizer (TSP, DAP, MoP) from three more countries: China, Malaysia, and Jordan.
The prices of most vegetables in various markets in the city are on a declining trend due to abundant supplies of early winter vegetables in the country over the past two weeks.
Prices of various vegetables, including beans, eggplants, radishes, cucurbits, yard-long beans, cauliflower, cabbage, papaya, okra, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, sweet gourd, and green chili, have seen a decrease of Tk 20-30 compared to their prices two weeks ago.
“Two weeks ago, vegetable prices reached a maximum of Tk 80-120 per kilogram in the city markets, but they have been significantly declining since then,” said Mohammad Shahadat Hossain, a vegetable retailer at Hazrat Shah Ali kitchen market, Mirpur-1.
“Vegetables like beans, eggplants, yard-long beans, and bitter gourds are now being sold at Tk 60-80 per kilogram, whereas they were Tk 80-120 two weeks ago,” said Md. Jewel, a retailer at Karwan Bazar, a hub for vegetables.
Retailer Taiyab expressed hope that vegetable prices would continue to decrease over the next two weeks, especially after a 100% arrival of vegetables in the city’s kitchen markets.
The prices of bundles of green leafy vegetables, including spinach, water spinach, and Malabar spinach, have also seen a 50% decrease compared to their previous prices.
However, the prices of newly-harvested potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots remain relatively high, ranging from Tk 120-140 per kilogram.
One resident, Mohammad Khalil, attributed the decline in vegetable prices to the sufficient supply of winter vegetables.
While prices are decreasing, advocate Mahmudul Hasan from Judge Court, Dhaka, suggested that the government should properly monitor prices, as they can vary from market to market.
