Three-day National Level Workshop on ‘Plant/Fungi Collection, Identification, Nomenclature and Botanical Illustrations’ concluded on Wednesday with experts exhorting the participants to go for identification and medicinal significance of plants found and cultivated in various parts of Jharkhand.

The workshop was organized by University Department Botany, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi in collaboration with Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) Resource Partner on Biodiversity (Flora) & Botanical Survey of India and Central National Herbarium, BSI, Howrah.

Chief Guest for the valedictory session of the Workshop Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, PCCF & HoFF, Jharkhand said that the knowledge and skills that have been imparted during the workshop are key to academic and scientific excellence. They will also serve as invaluable tools for sustainable development and environmental conservation. It is crucial to recognize the role of botanical research and illustration in unravelling the mysteries of the natural world. He further added that preserving plant and fungal diversity not only sustains ecosystems but also provides opportunities for green economy viz. ecotourism.

Dr. Jeewan Singh Jalal, Scientist ‘E’ BSI & In-charge, EIACP PC-RP said that Jharkhand is rich in biodiversity of plant resources because the Chhotanagpur plateau is a confluence of the Eastern Himalayas region and the Gangetic plains. Due to this natural phenomenon variety of plants found in Jharkhand in much more when compared to other parts of the country. He said that modern-day research scholars should focus on the identification and documentation of plants with medicinal properties. By doing so, we can claim the patent rights at the right time before any foreign country claims it. Dr. Jalal further added that apart from the applied part of Botany one should learn the basics of Botany. Expressing concern over the dearth of Taxonomist in the country Dr. Jalal said that we should focus on training the students in such a way that they get interested in Plant Taxonomy. He added that there is a need for plant conservation in a great way. We should also go through ancient Indian texts that describe the identification and nomenclature of plants as it would be in line with the Indian Knowledge System which is in focus after the adoption of National Education Policy 2020. 

Delivering a presidential address, Prof. Tapan Kumar Shandilya, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi said that organizing such seminars help in developing scientific temper in students. Thanking BSI for helping organize the workshop, Prof. Shandilya said that such workshops will be instrumental in fostering critical thinking among students and research scholars.

The workshop, spearheaded by a team of 14 distinguished scientists and resource persons from the Botanical Survey of India, aimed at advancing knowledge in essential aspects of plant sciences. With a focus on plant collection, identification, classification, orchid exploration, plant nomenclature, and botanical illustrations, the workshop drew the participation of 65 attendees from various universities in Jharkhand and Bihar.

Experts including Dr. J.S. Jalal , Dr. J. Jayanthi, Dr. Gopal Krishna, and Mrs. Ruma Bhadra, Sri Dineshwar Kumar Sah and others shared insights into plant identification and the classification of significant flowering plant families, and provided a detailed exploration of orchid identification in the region, focusing on key characters of this intricate group and addressing the challenges faced by certain species in the workshop. They discussed the fundamentals of plant nomenclature, simplifying complex topics, and providing participants with essential knowledge for precise communication in the botanical realm. They also provided field training to help participants develop their skills in plant collection and shared insights into capturing high-quality photographs and sketches of plants and plant parts.

Earlier, Dr. Geetanjali Singh presented a report on the workshop. A vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Shalini Lal.