Orchids are known for their wide range of diversity in forms, size, colour, delightful appearance, long lasting qualities and texture of flowers which are highly fascinating. These constitute an order of royalty in the world of ornamental plants and rank first in the global tropical cut flower trade. These plants are an integral part of forest ecosystem and have a major role in ecological balance of forest environment. Cultivation of orchids has become an important income earning sector in many of the developed and developing countries. There is a dynamic shift from sustenance production to commercial production in orchids in many of the nations and there is a significant increase in trade of orchids at domestic level and profit to farmers because of rapid urbanization. The demand for orchids as cut flower in both domestic and international market is growing fast and hence a large number of people sustain their livelihood by either producing or marketing of orchids. The basic requirements in flower trade are novelty, uniqueness and rarity, to attract the consumer demand. The orchid species and hybrids play a major role in bringing these export oriented traits for consumer satisfaction. The significance of orchids is figured internationally as State or National flowers like Cattleya skinneri by Costa Rica and Cypripedium reginae by Minnesota. With the potential available in the country in terms of climate and human resources, India can go a long way to be in the forefront of the international orchid trade. It is high time to address the relevant technological and infrastructure issues to reap this potential. Received: August