Over the past decade, the local orchid industry has grappled with a significant decline in its export value, compelling growers to embark on strategic shifts in their business approaches and invest in cutting-edge technology to rejuvenate their enterprises.
The export worth of Singapore’s prized orchids has experienced a notable contraction, plummeting from approximately S$23 million in 2013 to S$7.5 million in the preceding year.
In response to this stark decline, the National Parks Board (NParks) assumed stewardship of the local orchid sector in 2018, catalyzing a series of initiatives aimed at nurturing adaptation and vitality among growers, particularly in a nation marked by limited land resources.
NParks has initiated an array of measures to invigorate the orchid industry. These include the refinement of the land bidding system, tailored guidance on specialized cultivation, financial support for the adoption of advanced technologies, and the formulation of strategies for future readiness.
The spotlight is currently on Singapore’s orchid domain as the nation plays host to the ongoing edition of the Asia Pacific Orchid Conference. This prestigious event has drawn together an assembly of experts, scholars, and professionals from across the region to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and insights, showcasing the industry’s resilience and its commitment to evolution in the face of challenges.