With a view to spread awareness about the usefulness of houseplants in protecting the environment, the Agriculture and Horticulture Society of India (AHSI) for the first time is planning to sell saplings at its flower shows.

This market was hitherto dominated by innumerable unorganized sector players and streetside hawkers, many located around Howarh and Sealdah railway stations.Speaking at a press conference to announce the Houseplant Expo-2008, Sujit Chakravorti, chairman of the event management committee of AHSI, said, "For the first time we are allowing the sale of plants at the flower show. This is in view of the huge demand and of houseplant in the market." 

This apart, the society is also organising another flower show in the January, to showcase winter season flowers. According to Chakravorti, houseplants can help combat global warming, and protect the environment, without much care.

Also, this year, AHSI is creating a special zone in the show, which will simulate a modern flat, decorated with houseplants. The objective of creating the dummy is to popularise houseplants for beautification of houses and flats, according to Chakravorti.

"Due to urbanisation, garden spaces have dwindled abruptly. However, for beautification of flats, houseplants is an ideal solution. This has created huge untapped business potential for farmers, who have been invited to exhibit and sell their plants," he said. According to Subhash Guha Niyogi, AHSI member, some plants like Aloe Vera, can be easily grown at homes with minimum care, and were beneficial for minor injuries and ailments.