In a bid to conserve the rare species of orchids found in the North-east, around 10 non-government organisations working for the conservation of orchids, have decided to intensify the campaign against illegal trade of orchids from the region. The organisations further decided to launch a massive awareness drive, which will begin with the setting up of orchid banks across the State. As a part of this campaign, the first-ever orchid bank in the North-east would be set up in Jorhat on August 31, which would then be replicated throughout the length and breadth of the State. Two NGOs, Irab-Kirab and Karna would spearhead the entire conservation campaign. Pankaj Dutta, spokesperson, Irab-Kirab, while informing this, stated that illegal trade of orchids has been on the rise in the region and there is a need for a special mechanism to check this trend. He further stated that the idea behind launching this campaign is to promote and create an international market for orchids found in NE. "There is a tremendous prospect for orchids in the international market, especially in South East Asia. As 70 per cent of the total orchids found in the country are available in the region, we can certainly improve the export demand,' Dutta pointed out, adding, "Initially, we have set a budget of Rs 50 lakh for the campaign.' Besides, the NGOs have also chalked out a series of programmes to make the people, especially farmers, aware of the prospects of planting orchids in their backyard. "We are also offering helpline services to assist the farmers in this campaign,' Dutta added.