Goa, July 14 -- Once considered a unique and eco-friendly agricultural practice in Goa, orchid farming is now on the brink of extinction. Farmers involved in this delicate horticultural venture say they are receiving little to no ongoing support from the Agriculture Department, putting their efforts-and the future of orchid cultivation in the state-in jeopardy.

Satish Gaonkar from Tudva, Netravali, is among the last few remaining orchid farmers. Since 2017, he has been growing orchids in a polyhouse structure built under government subsidy through the State Structure Scheme and the National Horticulture Mission. While the initial support helped him get started, Satish says there has been no follow-up assistance since.

Despite steady mar...