A two-day national seminar, focusing on ‘Plant Biodiversity for Food Nutrition and Health Security in the North-West Himalayas’ was recently organised by the Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources (ISPGR) in collaboration with ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, and the MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture. The event, supported by Shoolini University’s Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, gathered experts to address biodiversity conservation in the Himalayan region.
ISPGR President and New Delhi TAAS Chairman, RS Paroda, the chief guest, discussed the urgency of protecting herbal plants and diversifying crops. He also stressed the need to tackle malnutrition among Indian children.
Shoolini University Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla welcomed the dignitaries and emphasised the critical role of industry and biotechnology in protecting the Western Himalayas. Advocating for government subsidies to support biodiversity and environmental initiatives, he highlighted the importance of integrating economics with science for sustainable outcomes.
New Delhi ASRB Chairman Sanjay Kumar shared insights on the rich biodiversity of the Himalayas and its therapeutic properties. He called for community involvement and the role of the media in creating awareness.
Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (Dr RPCAU) PUSA, Bihar, PL Gautam spoke on the shared heritage of biodiversity and the need for collective conservation efforts. Shoolini University Chancellor Prof PK Khosla reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to contributing effectively to biodiversity conservation.
The National Seminar also marked the official release of the book titled ‘French Bean Diseases’, compiled by SK Gupta and Monica Sharma. This publication adds to the body of knowledge surrounding plant health and contributes to the ongoing dialogue on biodiversity conservation.
Additionally, the souvenir ‘Plant Biodiversity for Food, Nutrition, and Health Security in North-West Himalayas’, compiled by an expert team, was unveiled. This publication, featuring keynotes and articles from the seminar, offers an extensive resource on the subject.
ISPGR General Secretary and seminar Organising Secretary Anuradha Aggarwal thanked the participants for their valuable insights.
