Srinagar, May 23: To celebrate the rich biodiversity of the valley and promote sustainable practices, the Department of Botany, North Campus, University of Kashmir (KU), organised a one-day seminar on ‘International Biodiversity Day,’ on May 22.
The seminar focused on the theme of conserving and cultivating medicinal plants, emphasizing their ecological, cultural, and economic significance. Diverse group of experts, academicians, and students, participated in the event, creating a platform for knowledge-sharing and community engagement.
Distinguished speakers from reputed institutions, including CSIR-IIIM Srinagar and the Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Board, shared their valuable insights on the occasion. Dr. Wahid-ul-Hassan, J&K Medicinal Plants Board, while delivering the talk on the occasion, highlighted the biodiversity’s potential for income generation. “Medicinal plants are not just part of our natural heritage, they hold the key to sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment, especially for our rural and tribal communities,” he said.
Dr. Shakir P. Sultan, Department of Plant Biotechnology, CSIR-IIIM Srinagar, highlighted the importance of promoting entrepreneurship through the cultivation and processing of medicinal and aromatic plants, while Dr. Azra Anjum emphasized the need to explore the potential of medicinal plants in developing value-added nutraceutical products. Director, North Campus KU, Dr. Sheikh Ghulam Mohammad, also addressed the gathering and stressed on the need for community involvement in conservation efforts. The seminar witnessed active participation from students and faculty members of various departments of the North Campus KU, as well as from local colleges, including GDC Sopore and GDC Baramulla. The event was coordinated by Dr. Bilal Ahmad Mir, Coordinator, Department of Botany, North Campus KU.
